asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the townspeople of Athlone are very dissatisfied at the unnecessary delay that has occurred in putting the woollen mills into full production; and, if so, whether he will arrange to have an inquiry made into the matter, with a view to assisting in the speedy resumption of maximum production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Woollen Mills.
I am informed that the reason for the delay in resuming production at the Athlone woollen mills is due entirely to the difficulty in getting delivery of machinery on order. I have offered to assist the company in any way open to me towards getting the mill into full production again.
May I assure the Minister that the people in Athlone think that the delay is caused for other reasons and that they are very perturbed at this delay in getting the men into full production? In view of the serious necessity of getting them as soon as possible into industrial employment, will he give an assurance that every effort will be made by his Department to see that this mill is put into full production as soon as possible?
I can assure the Deputy that every effort that could properly or usefully be made has been made and that the proprietors of the mill have been assured by my Department and by myself that every help we can give them towards securing speedier delivery of the machinery will be given. I think also that it is only natural to assume that the proprietors themselves will be anxious to get into production at the earliest possible moment.