asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that 50 employees of the Irish Driver Harris Company, New Ross, have been laid off and that this has caused much concern in the town; and, if so, if he will have an investigation made into the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Ross Factory.
I am aware that the Irish Driver Harris Company, New Ross, have laid off workers. I have had the matter investigated with the company's officers, who state that the primary cause of the slackness has been the scarcity of copper wire. Arrangements have already been made in my Department for the supply to the company of copper wire against exported scrap. These supplies, together with the company's ordinary allocation, which has been improved of late, should enable the company to reemploy most, if not all, of the workers who have been laid off.