asked the Taoiseach if he will state how many people were employed in Ford's motor works, Cork, in 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950, and the number employed at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ford's Motor Works (Cork).
The only sources of information relevant to the Deputy's question are (a) particulars of employment furnished to the Central Statistics Office annually in connection with the census of industrial production which is collected pursuant to Orders made under the Statistics Act, 1926; (b) half-yearly information as to numbers employed made on a special industries employment return; and (c) quarterly return of output of employment furnished by a sample of industrial concerns. These returns are used solely for the purpose of producing statistical aggregates for all firms in an industrial group. As regards the annual inquiries, the particulars for individual concerns are, by statute, strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed without the consent in writing of the firm in question, which has not been asked for in this particular case. The returns in the other inquiries mentioned are made voluntarily and the information is received on a confidential basis.