Vol. 210 No. 8
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the great disquiet caused to workers and their families by the recent redundancy and reports of greater redundancy to come amongst the staff of Messrs. Potez, Galway; and, if so, if he will make a full and comprehensive statement on the matter.
9.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the present position regarding the lay-off of workers at the Potez factory in Galway.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Nos. 8 and 9 together.
I have seen press reports about the laying off of workers by the Potez factory at Galway and while the day to day affairs of the company are not matters for my Department I have caused inquiries to be made. I understand from the company that there is no question of any redundancy in the factory at present. A substantial order for the export market is awaiting shipment and a cargo ship is expected before the end of the month. Preparations for the shipment have necessitated a rearrangement of certain departments in the factory, with the result that a number of men, at most 39 in all, have been or will be laid off temporarily for a period not exceeding eight working days. The company say further that all the men involved will be re-employed.
Is the Minister aware that this firm promised to employ 700 within a period of two years?
I have no information about that.
Perhaps the Taoiseach can bear me out, as he was present at the opening and might throw some light on it, or perhaps it is one of the Fianna Fáil promises to which we have to listen.
10.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total amount of grants paid to date to Messrs. Potez, Galway.
I have made it clear in reply to previous similar questions that details of grants, particularly to named individual firms, will not be disclosed in advance of the presentation to Dáil Éireann of the annual report of An Foras Tionscal.
The bulk of the grant payments to this firm have already been published in previous annual reports and it is hoped to present the report in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1964, to the Dáil next month.
Why not tell it now?
Can it not be presented before the House rises?
I understand it is proposed to present it next month, July.
Will the Minister get his colleague to suggest to An Foras Tionscal that it is highly desirable that the report be available before the House rises, as we are rising earlier owing to building work?
Do I take it the Minister is satisfied that the figure granted to this factory——
That is a different matter. It does not arise out of the grant.
