asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that owing to a two-thirds reduction in the quantity of felt paper and jute available for the factory and works of Messrs. Graves and Company, New Ross, a large number of workers have had to be dispensed with; whether he can state what is the position regarding the supplies of the different raw materials used in this factory, and how soon normal supplies can be made available to enable the dismissed men to be re-employed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Ross Felt Factory.
There is no shortage of the raw materials necessary for making roofing felt. I am aware that the services of some of the employees of the firm in question have been dispensed with, but not because of a shortage of raw materials. I am informed that the men have been laid off this year, as has been the practice of previous years, when stocks of roofing material sufficient for the time being had been manufactured. I understand that most of the men will be re-employed before the end of this month, and the remainder before Christmas.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he mean to say there is no scarcity of raw material?
That is what I said.
I have here a letter telling me that they are getting only two-thirds of the raw material. Surely, in the case of an old-established firm like that, which never cost the ratepayer a penny, it is the duty of the Minister to see that those men can be reinstated at once. Many of them have big families. It is a dreadful thing in an industry like that to see the place closed down through the mismanagement of the Government.
There is no shortage of raw materials, and there is no question of Government management, good or bad.
There is a shortage of raw materials.
Might I suggest that the Deputy should ask the firm in question whether there is a shortage or not.
I have got it from them.
The Deputy did not get it from them.
I had it from the firm last Tuesday.
Then the firm must be giving the Deputy different information from that which they are giving me.