asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of workers who have been dismissed on grounds of redundancy from the C.I.E. workshops at Inchicore since 1st December, 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Workshop Dismissals.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the uneasiness which exists among workers in the C.I.E. workshops at Inchicore because of recent dismissals, he will ascertain from the company whether it is proposed to dismiss any more workers in the near future on grounds of redundancy, and, if so, the number it is proposed to dismiss, and the approximate date of the proposed dismissals.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
I am advised by C.I.E. that they have dispensed with the services of 53 temporary employees at the Inchicore workshops since 1st December, 1954, on grounds of redundancy, and that the services of eight more temporary employees will be terminated on 11th March, 1955. The question of the extent of any further redundancy is at present under consideration by the board.
It is an inevitable result of the reorganisation programme that there should be some redundancy, but without the reorganisation the future of the whole undertaking and the employment which it provides would have been in jeopardy. I have asked the board to ensure that redundancy will be kept to the minimum and I am assured that everything possible will be done to minimise the problem and to absorb redundant workers in alternative employment.
Is the Minister aware that there is great uneasiness that a large proportion of that redundancy arises not by reason of reorganisation of the works but by reason of unnecessary imports of materials which could have been manufactured here and were manufactured here previously?
I had representations made to me that C.I.E. were importing commodities which, it was stated, could be made here. I have received from C.I.E. positive assurances that they are anxious to make in their works at Inchicore any commodity which they require and which can be made here on a reasonably economic basis. I have asked the board for a report on the statement made to me and it will be my aim to ensure that anything which can be made on a reasonably economic basis at Inchicore for use by C.I.E. will be made there.
Did the Minister ask them would they open the chassis factory?
Will the Minister take steps to investigate the various statements and complaints that have been made in regard to the import of material?
I have taken steps and asked C.I.E. for a report on the statements which have been made to me.