Statement by Tánaiste Mary Harney on Closure of Jay Bee Limited

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, this evening (Wednesday 16th February, 2000) expressed her disappointment at the announcement by clothing manufacturer Jay Bee Limited, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, that it is to cease production on a phased basis between mid-March and mid-April. The closure of the plant will result in the loss of jobs for over 100 people.

"While I regret this latest closure in the clothing sector on the Inishowen peninsula - and while this is a severe blow for all the people concerned - it has for some time been recognised that the sector will continue to contract in terms of employment and the number of companies involved. The Irish clothing industry is in a period of great change, as the effects of a strong economy influence the economic factors underlying the sector," the Tánaiste said.

"The emphasis now is to find replacement jobs for the area. I will be travelling to Donegal over the next few days and I will be meeting representatives of the Donegal Task Force. I will take the opportunity to discuss with them the implementation of the their recommendations and other development opportunities for the county. I am hopeful that we will have better news for Donegal before the week is out," the Tánaiste said.