The introduction of the new EU accreditation rules will ruin the steel fabrication and welding industry, Fianna Fáil has claimed.

Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Dara Calleary TD is calling on the government to provide extra support through the network of Local Enterprise Offices.

Deputy Calleary said: "Those that fail to achieve the new accreditation will be unable to sell their products to contractors and as a result they face the prospect of having to go out of business.

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"Steel fabricators and welders across the industry are being forced to spend between €20,000 and €30,000 at a minimum to achieve the new standard. These companies are already struggling to survive financially without this extra burden being placed on top of them. They simply will not be able to achieve accreditation if they do not receive support from the government.

"I am calling on the government to provide extra support through the network of Local Enterprise Offices to allow them engage with the affected companies and assist them in achieving the new accreditation."

(CD/MH)