With regard to the recent reports on the transfer of some Dell manufacturing capacity to Poland, I must clarify that, contrary to suggestions in some recent Polish media coverage and discussion, the Irish Government has not lobbied the EU Commission against the state aid proposed by the Polish authorities for the extension of the Dell manufacturing facility in £ód¼.

The Irish Government has made no submission, formal or informal, written or oral, to the Commission on this matter.

Nor would it make sense for us to do so. The closure of Dell's Irish manufacturing plant followed a radical review by the company of its business model, in particular its manufacturing model.

Should the Commission not approve the proposed aid, jobs may be lost in Poland but they would not be saved in Ireland.

It is also important to be clear that Dell is not leaving Ireland. It is closing its manufacturing plant in Limerick which employs approximately 1,900 people. However, its other functions and activities, in Limerick and Dublin, which employ 2,300 people, will remain in Ireland. The company will remain one of the largest multinational employers in Ireland and the close relationship between the company and the Irish authorities will continue.

I also expect that the close working relationship between the company's Irish and Polish operations will continue. The management of the Limerick plant were heavily involved in the development of the Polish facility and many of the employees in £ód¼ trained in Limerick. I have no doubt that the workers in £ód¼, particularly those who have worked in Limerick, sympathise with their colleagues in Limerick. While the closure of the Limerick plant is a major setback, not just for its employees, but for the economy of the entire region, we have overcome such setbacks before and with time and effort we will do so in this case.

We look forward to maintaining the excellent relationship between our countries and peoples.

Eddie Brannigan
Chargé d'affaires
Embassy of Ireland