asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of ships that have been built by a firm (name supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shipbuilding Firm.
12.
Three ships representing a tonnage of the order of 70,000 tons, d.w., have been built so far by the firm in question and a fourth ship is nearing completion.
Is it a fact that this yard lost £500,000 on one of these ships?
I have no information on that.
Is it also not a fact that it is the Irish taxpayer who has to pay?
(Interruptions.)
13.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a firm (name supplied) do not make use of Irish furnishings or industrial products in equipping and fitting ships built by them; and that they do not stock such ships with Irish agricultural or horticultural products; and whether in granting State moneys to this firm any conditions were laid down requiring them to make use as far as possible of Irish products in the course of their activities.
My information is that the firm make substantial purchases in this country in connection with their shipbuilding activities. With regard to the stocking of ships with Irish agricultural or horticultural products, I have no information as this is a matter for the shipowners and not the builders. In granting State moneys to this firm, no conditions have been laid down requiring the use of Irish products for shipbuilding. The Deputy will, no doubt, appreciate that the shipbuilding industry is highly competitive and shipyards must compete for orders on world markets. They must, accordingly, be free to purchase raw material at world prices but I am assured that the company purchases Irish materials and fittings to the fullest extent possible.
In relation to payment of grants to Irish nationals, is the Minister not aware that such a requirement exists? Why, then, is it not applied to such people as are mentioned in the question?
This is a highly competitive industry. The firm must be allowed to purchase materials in the cheapest market possible, In fact, very substantial purchases are made by this company from Irish sources.
What percentage?
In relation to the three ships he has mentioned, that left Cork harbour, will the Minister say if what I now say is true or false? Is it not a fact that all the horticultural and agricultural produce that went into those ships came by special boat from Holland?
I have no information about that.
It is about time the Minister got it.
Would the Minister inquire whether my statement is true or false?
I have no information on that.
Why not seek it?
They are not obliged to purchase Irish horticultural produce.
Does the Minister not think they should?
It is probably false— Fine Gael propaganda.
——like Fianna Fáil propaganda.
If it is false, we have the answer. Why will the Minister not give a straight answer?
How much money did they make? You lost millions on it.
Order.
14.
Mr. Barry
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that all highly-paid staff employed by a firm (name supplied) are non-nationals; if he has informed this firm that reliable and highly-skilled Irish workers are available who would be capable of filling the highest posts in the yard; and whether in granting State moneys to this firm any conditions were laid down requiring them to make use as far as possible of Irish labour, particularly amongst their highly-paid staff.
I am not aware that all highly-paid staff employed by the firm in question are non-nationals. My information is that non-nationals are employed only where suitable Irish nationals are not available. This is in accordance with the stated policy of the company and while it was not a condition stipulated in the grant of financial assistance from State sources to the company, the official policy in regard to the employment of Irish nationals wherever possible has been stressed in communications to the company.
Does the Minister know that at least 50 people who are employed in this yard are from Holland though suitable personnel for the work could easily be found in Cork city and county?
It is the company's policy to employ Irish people whenever suitable people can be found. It is an entirely new industry requiring a great deal of knowledge and technique and a considerable proportion of the staff, as distinct from the yard workers, are already Irish.