asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the large scale laying off of shipyard workers employed by a Dublin shipbuilding company since the recent launching of the new vessel for the Commissioners of Irish Lights; and, if so, if he will state the reason for this serious unemployment; and further, if he will state why work on the new collier for Irish Shipping Ltd., has not yet been started.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment of Shipyard Workers.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct responsibility in this matter; but I have made inquiries and I am informed that, while a number of workers were laid off some weeks ago, some of them have been taken on again recently. I am also informed that the keel of the new collier has already been laid and that further building progress depends, amongst other things, on delivery of the necessary steel plates.