asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the number of men employed in the works of the Dublin United Tramways Company has been reduced by 60, and that it has been officially intimated that an additional 70 men will shortly be served with notice; and, if so, whether he will approach the company with a view to having an effort made to re-employ these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Tramway Works.
I am informed that the unemployment referred to by the Deputy has been caused by interruptions in the deliveries of omnibus chassis and other supplies.
I understand that the Tramway Company have been in touch with the Department of Supplies, but the very serious difficulty in obtaining supplies of this character in present circumstances will be appreciated.
It will, of course, be understood that the re-absorption of the men whose services have been dispensed with will be governed largely by the circumstances attending deliveries of these supplies.
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of the change-over from electric trams to buses, the electric cars are immediately broken up? Having regard to the difficulty of obtaining chassis and other materials for the buses, will the Minister state if any advantage would be gained by suspending the change-over pending the possibility of obtaining supplies at a later date?
I presume that the rate of change-over will be entirely conditioned by the rate at which supplies of bus materials can be made available. If the change-over were suspended, all the work of the nature referred to in the Deputy's question would, of course, immediately cease.
The electric cars are being broken up immediately they go into the shed. Would any advantage be gained by retaining them as a safeguard in the event of supplies of bus materials not being available?
I shall put that consideration to the company.