Irish Jobs' Response 'Could Be Better': SF

Enhanced co-operation between the Belfast and Dublin administrations could greatly assist existing workers and in helping the unemployed get jobs.

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said that the Stormont Executive's response to recent redundancies at Quinn Insurance was not as effective as the measures taken by the Dublin government.

Martina Anderson said: "The Employment Committee is clear that the Quinn Insurance redundancies have exposed the need for a more holistic Executive approach to such crises - particularly the need for a joined-up model involving the relevant departments to ensure that impact of such situations is minimized.

"Quinn Insurance is only one of many employers who operate throughout the island and we need to recognise the imperative of extensive collaboration between Dublin and Belfast to support workers and secure jobs. It is just the latest example of the need for an all-Ireland economic strategy," she said.

"The Committee point out that this would allow a quicker and more authoritative response, especially in terms of securing assistance from the European Union.

"They are clear that this is undertaken much more effectively by the Irish government who has prioritised forging relationships and contacts within the EU institutions so that quicker and more successful access is achieved," the MLA continued.

"I welcome the recognition of this approach from the Employment Committee and I will be calling on the Executive to take the next logical step by building closer relations with the Dublin administration, particularly on employment matters.

"This would assist us in adopting a more robust and concerted strategy to job security and creation and to execute the most effective response possible to assist those affected by the economic recession."

However, last week's withdrawal of many redundancies at the firm's Enniskillen office was hailed as an example of the DUP Stormont Enterprise Minister's commitment to the Quinn workers.

Seventy-five planned redundancies in the Lakeland town will not now be implemented after the firm's administrator confirmed that the redundancies from its consumer sales business would not proceed.

Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the announcement and said: "Since the ban on trading in the UK private motor insurance business was lifted in April, staff at Quinn Enniskillen have worked hard to maintain and grow levels of business.

"My department and Invest NI remain committed to safeguarding the employment and investment by Quinn Insurance in Northern Ireland in the longer term," she added.

See: Fermanagh Quinn Jobs Saved

(BMcC/KMcA)