asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state how many persons, distinguishing between (1) male and (2) female, disemployed by reason of the closing down of Gallaher's factory, were given employment in the Department of Industry and Commerce, and the number that have since been discharged, and if he will state why these persons were discharged.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gallaher's Factory.
Of the persons who lost their employment at Messrs. Gallaher's factory owing to the closing thereof, six men and three women were given employment as temporary clerks in the Department of Industry and Commerce (Dublin Employment Exchange). Of this number, three men were discharged, amongst others, in consequence of redundancy. Before these discharges took place all the temporary staff at the exchange were interviewed and their domestic circumstances ascertained, so as to ensure the minimum of hardship in the selection of those to whom it was necessary to give notice.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that one of the persons so discharged, after four years' service in the exchange in rather important work, was discharged in spite of the fact that he had a widowed mother and a brother and sister to look after, both of whom had been unemployed for long periods?
The Deputy may be assured that there were redundant staffs and that, in selecting those for discharge, full consideration was given to the personal circumstances of those employed there, and that anybody retained in the service of the Department were in more difficult circumstances than those released.
Is the Minister aware that grave hardship is being inflicted on a number of clerks in the Cork Labour Exchange?
That is a separate question.