Written question asked by Mark Durkan (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Monday, 22 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 May 2006. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Moy Park Group

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) financial and (b) other support has been provided to Ferne Foods by (i) the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (ii) the Department for Employment and Learning and (iii) Invest Northern Ireland since it was taken over by the Moy Park Group.

Answer: Ferne Foods Limited in Lisnaskea became a joint venture with Moy Park Limited in 1994. Ferne Foods Limited was offered selective financial assistance from IDB in 1996 of £487,820. This was fully drawn down by 1999 and the Financial Assistance Agreement is no longer active. On 15 occasions from 1998 to 2004 Ferne Foods Limited has taken part in market awareness visits and group stands at exhibitions with Invest NI. IDB offered assistance towards training and development in 1996 of £159,510 of which £139,410 was drawn down. The Department for Employment and Learning supports all employers who request support by providing a job brokering services and suitable training programmes where appropriate.

Secondary information