More than 120 workers laid off last week at Millfield Textiles in Cork, together with SIPTU representatives, are to meet the Tanaiste, Ms Mary Harney, next week in an attempt to secure their redundancy payments. According to Mr Gerry Mullins of SIPTU, the company has refused to pay redundancy, give minimum notice and pay holiday payments to the workers, with the total due likely to range from £20,000 to £30,000.

Meanwhile, Cork South Central Fianna Fail TD, Mr Batt O'Keeffe, has called on IDA Ireland to step in and buy the former Topps factory in Ballincollig. The factory is due to go on the market shortly as Topps ceases its manufacturing operation in Ballincollig.