Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jan 1963

Vol. 199 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision for Redundant Workers.

56.

Mr. Corish

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in the light of the Reports to date of the Committee on Industrial Organisation, indicating the probability of 1,500 redundant workers in the cotton, linen and rayon industry, 2,000 in the shoe and leather industry, 300 in the paper industry and 2,000 in the motor assembly industry, and in view of the probability of extensive lay-offs in other industries such as the iron, steel and metalwork industry, he will state to the House the Government's proposals regarding alternative employment for such redundant workers.

57.

Dr. Browne

andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will give details of any projects which are to be initiated to provide work for those declared redundant, should Ireland join the EEC; and whether such projects will include ones to provide work for the 59,000 persons at present unemployed.

Mr. J. Lynch

With the permission of An Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

It is not correct to infer that the Committee on Industrial Organisation have indicated the probability of redundancy in the cotton, footwear, paper, and motor assembly industries to the extent which Question No. 56 implies. The figures which the Deputy quotes represent the extent to which the Committee, on their present information, estimate that redundancy could arise if the counter measures they recommend were not taken in good time. The Industrial Reorganisation Branch of my Department is working with the industries concerned to secure the carrying into effect of the various measures recommended to minimise disemployment. The Government will continue to foster employment-giving projects by every means in their power, including the existing financial and other facilities which they provide to encourage industrial development, supplemented by the provisions of the Industrial Grants (Amendment) Bill, 1962 and the Undeveloped Areas (Amendment) Bill, 1962 which are at present before this House.

Mr. Corish

Is the Minister aware that the figures included in this question are the figures generally accepted by the trade union movement and other bodies as being the figures of probable redundancy? If, as the Minister states in his reply, these figures are not correct, does he by inference suggest there will not be any redundancy in these industries on our becoming members of EEC?

Mr. J. Lynch

It is not possible to take the latter inference; neither should more be taken out of the report than is intended. I never suggested there will be no redundancy, but the total figures given by the Deputy are the figures the Committee on Industrial Organisation decided would be the number redundant, if adequate steps were not taken by the industries concerned to offset redundancy.

Mr. Corish

Is the Minister not aware that in respect of the cotton, linen and rayon industry, the figure of 1,500 as the probable number redundant is given by the CIO, providing everything is done to make the industry competitive?

Mr. J. Lynch

On the basis of existing production, yes; but the Committee suggested it would be possible to increase overall production by about 40 per cent., in which event it would be possible to absorb all existing operatives in that industry.

Mr. Corish

I think that is incorrect.

Mr. McQuillan

Does the CIO Report not state that, in spite of a 50 per cent. increase in production, in that particular industry 1,500 people would be rendered unemployed?

Mr. J. Lynch

The Deputy is confusing productivity with production.

Mr. McQuillan

Further, in connection with the car industry, is it not a fact that so far as the CIO report is concerned, there is no question whatever that the entire industry must go to the rails?

Mr. J. Lynch

On the other hand, it has been stated by an existing assembler of a particular type of car that they can see the assembly industry persisting in Common Market conditions.

Mr. Corish

Is the Minister not aware that the Taoiseach said during the last session that the motor car industry was doomed?

An Ceann Comhairle

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.