asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that workers at the worsted mills at Portlaoighise are on short time; and, if so, whether he intends taking action with a view to procuring full-time employment for these workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workers at Portlaoighise Worsted Mills.
I am aware that there is short-time working at the Portlaoighise mills at present. I am not, however, in a position to make any further statement about the affairs of this company which is a private commercial concern.
May I then take it that the Minister does not propose to take any action to see that full-time employment will be restored to the many workers employed in this industry?
The Deputy need not make that deduction from the answer given to him.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary in view of the fact that the present unemployment position connected with this industry is due to trade recession, is it not a fact that under similar circumstances and trade difficulties when the inter-Party Government was in office, there was a deliberate attack made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce alleging that it was due to circumstances deliberately brought about by the inter-Party Government?
That does not arise out of the question. It is a different matter.
I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary.
The Deputy is making a statement.
May I inquire from the Parliamentary Secretary if, under similar circumstances some time ago, the blame was thrown on the inter-Party Government? What does he propose to do now to see that full-time employment is provided for these workers?
The reason the Government came into office was that the public wanted to have a Government that would do its utmost to provide work for the people.
Does that apply to Portumna?