asked the Minister for
Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that 212 employees of the Limerick Clothing Factory have been placed on short time, and if he can state the reasons therefor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Clothing Factory Employees.
I do not think it proper that I should be asked to furnish information in the Dáil regarding the business affairs of a private commercial concern. I may say, however, in fairness to the company, that the information which I have is that only a very small number of the workers employed in this factory are now on short time.
Would the Minister answer the question I put to him: is he aware that 212 employees of the Limerick Clothing Factory have been placed on short time^ Would he say is it due to Government policy of cutting down existing stores, as alleged?
Order!
Am I not in order in asking a supplementary question?
The Deputy may ask a supplementary question but may not enlarge on the original question.
Does the Minister agree that it is due to Government policy of cutting down on existing stocks that this short time has been introduced?
The truth of the matter is that this firm is now employing its staff on full time, on a Government Order. That is a complete answer to the Deputy's allegation that the firm were on short time because of cutting down, under Government Orders.
In this particular branch of the clothing trade, seasonal lay-offs are usual and, that being the pattern of employment in this particular section of the clothing trade from time immemorial, here have been more people employed in this firm during the past two years than when the Deputy's Government were in office. It is soandalous that a Deputy who purports to represent the area where this firm is located should use this House for the purpose of so undesirably advertising this firm.
Is the Minister aware that I was requested by the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union to raise this matter in Dáil Éireann? Further arising out of the Minister's reply, will the Minister state if it is the Government's policy to use up existing stocks to the detriment of employment in the clothing trade, with particular emphasis on the Limerick Clothing Factory?
There is only one thing I want to say in reply to that: I have seen the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union do much more intelligent things.
Major de Valera
And we have seen Labour Ministers do much more for labour.
No. 6.
Further arising——
I have called No. 6.