asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Messrs. O'Shaughnessy's woollen mill at Sallybrook, Riverstown, County Cork, has been closed down and the industry transferred to Dripsey; whether he is aware that the employees of the Sallybrook mill are now unemployed and suffering extreme hardship; whether he is aware that Sallybrook mill, which was carried on in this district for generations, is the last of a number of rural industries in the Riverstown area, and whether it is his intention to take any steps to prevent the closing down of such rural industries by industrialists who, without regard to the interest of the workers, desire to amalgamate their undertakings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of County Cork Mill.
I am aware of the facts as stated in the first part of the question. I have no power to take any steps as suggested in the last part of the question.
Is it the intention of the Minister to seek the necessary powers to deal with the suggestions contained in the latter part of the question?
That is a separate question.