Dell employees in dark over future
Wednesday January 07 2009
THE fate of 2,000 Dell workers facing the threat of redundancy will be discussed at a cabinet meeting today.
Defence Minister and Limerick TD Willie O'Dea last night confirmed he will be raising the issue at the first Cabinet meeting of the New Year, even though it is not on the agenda for discussion.
Mr O'Dea admitted there has been little communication between the Government and Dell's senior management in recent days.
"The information flow has literally stopped at the moment so we just have to wait and see. We will no doubt find out tomorrow or over the next day or two," Mr O'Dea said.
Tanaiste and Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan is currently out of the country. However, Mr O'Dea said there may be contact with her later today.
Assembly staff at the computer giant's Raheen plant remain in the dark as to the future of their jobs. However, there is speculation that an announcement could be made in the next 48 hours.
Dell currently employs almost 4,400 workers in Ireland.
As part of a review of their global operations which began last year, Dell are expected to outsource their manufacturing to lower cost bases.
This is already a concept employed by rivals Hewlett-Packard and IBM whose products are now made by Asian manufacturers.
A company spokeswoman yesterday confirmed chief executive Michael Dell had no plans to visit Ireland, dismissing rumours he planned to address workers at the Limerick plant.
- Barry Duggan
