asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware (i) of the present lack of raw material for the leather factories and of the consequent unemployment and short time at Portlaw, Carrick, and Dungarvan leather factories and Dungarvan glue factory; (ii) that more than 1,400 operatives and more than 6,000 other workers whose employment depends on the raw materials will be affected by the present position of the industry; (iii) that the boot factories and other leather industries will be gravely injured by this shortage of leather; and, if so, what he proposes to do to keep this large body of workers in employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leather Shortage.
So far as I am aware, the lack of raw materials to which the Deputy refers applies only to native hides and skins. It has always been necessary to supplement the supply of native hides and skins by imports and I understand it is still possible to make good in this way any shortage of native materials.
I am not aware of any unemployment or short-time working at the Portlaw or Carrick-on-Suir tanneries. Some workers have been laid off at the Dungarvan tannery, due to a shortage of sheepskins, caused by the establishment of a number of new sheepskin tanneries. I understand that Dungarvan glue factory has had to suspend operations because of a temporary shortage of raw materials.
I have already arranged to meet representatives of the tanning and footwear industries and other interested parties at an early date to consider a number of problems, including that of raw materials.