American multinational company, Apple Computers has been urged to say whether it is planning to transfer a unit at their Cork operation to the Far East with the loss of substantial numbers of jobs.

According to industry sources, the company has decided to transfer its Printed Circuit Board (PBC) section to Singapore, where wages are one tenth of what they are in Ireland. But an Apple spokesman yesterday refused to be drawn, saying the company never commented on speculation.

"There has been speculation about PCB for some time and our position has always been never to comment on speculation," he said.

However sources believe that a closure of the PCB operation is likely to be announced over the coming weeks as Apple moves to consolidate its operations in Ireland in higher value-added production areas.

Already Tanaiste and Enterprise and Employment Minister Ms Mary Harney has had emergency talks with both IDA Ireland officials and Apple executives and is to travel to the US shortly to meet Apple management.

Last night Cork North Central Fine Gael TD, Mr Bernard Allen challenged Apple or the Tanaiste to say whether the PCB manufacturing facility is to be closed at the Hollyhill plant which currently employs 1,800 people.

"There is a need for a statement of clarification from some source - be it Apple or the IDA or the Minister. We need to remove the uncertainty or to confirm what is happening," he said.

Deputy Allen was backed by his constituency colleague, Fianna Fail TD Mr Noel O'Flynn who said 500 job losses would be a huge blow to Cork's northside. "My constituents are obviously concerned and worried and so am I." Progressive Democrat Senator Ms Mairin Quill said it was unfair to keep workers in the dark while speculation abounds about their future. "They deserve some statement at least . . . the sort of secrecy surrounding the business is only adding to their worries."