asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that workers in Clondalkin, Drimnagh and Killeen Paper Mills are at present on short-time and if he can say whether this situation is due or attributable to the importation of paper.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Paper Mills.
It was recently reported to my Department that because of a falling off in orders for paper, the Drimnagh and Killeen Paper Mills might have to resort to short-time working, but I have no information as to the extent to which this was found necessary. I am not aware of any short-time working at Clondalkin Paper Mills. I cannot say whether short-time working at Irish paper mills can be attributed to the importation of paper, but I do not think it likely.
Would the Minister consider making inquiries into the position with a view to discovering whether this short time definitely can be attributable to imports of foreign paper or not?
I can tell the Deputy that the imports are not as high as pre-war imports, but that in fact production at the Irish mills is greater than it was in pre-war days.