asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Ennis Braid Mills has been opened only on alternate weeks recently; and, if so, whether he will state what steps he proposes taking to ensure constant employment for the 200 employees concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ennis Braid Mills.
I am aware that short time has been worked in the Ennis Braid Mills, but no representations have been made to me by the company that there are any steps I could properly take to avoid that position. The protective measures which were imposed for the protection of the products of this company, and which were suspended during the emergency, were reimposed from 1st April, 1946. The company recently asked for and were granted facilities for the export of some of their products.
Is the Minister not in a position to intervene if the workers made representations to him? I understand that such representations have been made to the Minister.
If the position is as outlined in the question I would be surprised if the company were not making representations. However, if the workers make representations to me, certainly, they will be considered.
I understand that the workers have made representations and I personally have made representations and I ask the Minister to consider the matter as quickly as possible.
I am replying to the question. The representations made to me by the Leas-Cheann Comhairle are being considered.
Would the Minister be in a position to say if the cause of the trouble was the free importation of laces to this country?
I hope the Deputy is not holding me responsible for that.