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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Dec 1932

Vol. 45 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Effects of Customs Duties on Wexford Workers.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can state (a) the number of tradesmen, apprentices and labourers employed in each of the three Wexford foundries and agricultural implement factories on November 1st last; (b) the total number of persons employed in these foundries and factories at the nearest ascertainable date prior to the imposition of the customs duty on agricultural implements; (c) whether any tradesmen and labourers disemployed from these foundries and factories were registered as unemployed at Wexford Unemployment Exchange on November 1st last, and, if so, how many.

I have no information as to the number of hands employed in the Wexford foundries on the 1st November last but the total number employed on the 1st September, 1932, was 202. I have not information as to the numbers employed immediately preceding the imposition of the duty, but the numbers employed on the 1st March, 1932, were 366. I am informed that owing to the seasonal nature of the demand for agricultural implements employment in the foundries is usually substantially lower in September than at the beginning of the year. It will be appreciated that figures cannot be given in respect of individual firms. The number of skilled and unskilled workers claiming unemployment insurance benefit at the Wexford Exchange on the 1st November last who were employed in the Wexford foundries is 97.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, I want to ask does he deny that when advocating the protection of this industry members of the Executive Council stated that 1,000 men would be employed within three months?

I am not aware that any such statement was made. I would remind the Deputy that the question relates only to the factory at Wexford.

Is the Minister aware that there has been a factory closed at Wexford?

That factory has been closed for years.

Is it likely to be re-opened soon?

Yes, immediately.

Could the Minister tell us what is the meaning of "immediately" in this connection?

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