asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the importance of industrial development and exports, he will state what steps he has taken, and proposes to take, to ensure that the Moulded Products Factory, Tralee, which employs 145 workers, does not go out of production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tralee Factory.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that one week's notice, to expire on the 17th instant, has been served by the management on the staff and operatives, numbering 145, of the Moulded Products Factory, Tralee, and, if so, what steps, if any, he has taken and is taking to safeguard the employment of the workers involved.
With the permission of An Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
As shown in the report of An Foras Tionscal for the year ended 31st March, 1955, a grant under the Undeveloped Areas Act, 1952, was made to the company referred to in the questions. I understand that the company has also received a loan from the Industrial Credit Company, Limited.
I am prepared to consider sympathetically any reasonable proposal which the company may wish to put forward with a view to maintaining production and thus avoiding disemployment.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I understand that the company engaged an industrial consultant to carry out a survey of the cause for the economic difficulty in which it finds itself at the moment. In the light of that and in the light of the fact that his report will be available in a day or two, would the Minister consider requesting the company to withdraw the notices issued?
I will consider that suggestion by the Deputy or any other suggestion in this matter which stands the test of reasonableness from the point of view of saving the staff from disemployment.
Keep it until after the election.
As the notices are due to expire to-morrow, would the Minister get in touch with the managing director of the firm in order to make sure that the workers will not be dismissed?
I will consider the matter sympathetically.
Would the Minister consider this an opportune time for the company to seek further financial assistance?
The Deputy is revealing his ignorance in the matter.
In view of coming events?
The Deputies are very anxious to see this industry survive.
If they do not get it before the 29th, they will get nothing.
That was the way in your time.
Order!
In view of——
I thought the Deputy was anxious to see the industry survive.