asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a large number of men have been laid off in the Potez factory, Galway; if he is in a position to state the cause of the lay-off; if in view of the serious hardship caused he will state what steps are being taken to secure the re-employment of these men at the earliest possible date; and when it is expected that this will be done.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lay-off of Galway Factory Workers.
9.
I have seen Press reports about the laying-off of workers by the Potez factory of Galway and while the day-to-day affairs of the company are not matters for my Department, I have caused enquiries to be made. I understand from the company that the lay-off of workers which had reluctantly to be made was solely on the grounds of redundancy arising from circumstances outside their control. At this stage the company cannot say if they will be in a position to re-employ any of these workers.
Is the Minister satisfied that, one, the 12 per cent increase is not the cause of it, and secondly, in view of the stated intention of this company—the Taoiseach can bear me out on this as he was at the opening—to employ up to 700 workers, can he now state when that figure will be attained, if it is to be attained?
From the information I have at my disposal, I can assure the Deputy that the 12 per cent increase had nothing whatever to do with it. As far as the attainment of the target of 700 workers is concerned, that is a matter for the company and I hope they will be able to achieve it in due course,
Do I take it then that the Minister is not concerned—the workers are gravely concerned—to see that that figure, which was promised at the opening——
That is not a question.
——will be attained?
Of course I am concerned.
Will the Minister guarantee it?
(Interruptions.)
Let one Minister speak please.
The Deputy was so concerned that he did not even put down the question.