asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to the report that thirty employees of the starch factory of Ceimicí Teoranta at Labbadish, County Donegal, were dismissed when the factory closed down because potatoes were not being supplied; and whether steps have been taken to provide alternative employment for these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Labbadish (Donegal) Factory Workers.
27.
I have seen the report to which the Deputy refers. I understand that, in common with potato starch factories elsewhere, the Labbadish potato starch factory operates on a seasonal basis, the length of the production campaign each year being governed by the availability of potatoes for processing. I also understand that until preparations for the next campaign begin, probably in August, any employment that the company can give will be temporary and for a limited number only of the employees involved.
Is it not a fact that this was an exceptional lay-off? In view of that fact, would the Minister bear in mind how highly desirable it is to see that a sufficient supply of potatoes is made available for this factory?
It was exceptional in that it was an unusually early lay-off caused by an unusual shortage of potatoes at that time, which, in turn, was caused by the farmers selling their potatoes as ware potatoes instead of selling to the factory because of the better prices for ware potatoes.
Is this what we call the free force of the market—that if a certain commodity becomes scarce because of high demand, a large number of families will be deprived of their normal income? Does the Minister think the people who are laid off should go to England and send their money home to help their families to buy Irish?
Ceimicí Teoranta endeavour to the fullest possible extent to ensure a continuity of employment by means of a continuity of supplies. In that campaign they make contracts with the growers. In this instance the growers sold off their potatoes elsewhere and I understand that even some operatives in the factory were involved in such transactions.
In the dead meat trade, the Minister for Agriculture is prepared to give a subsidy to the factories to buy beef here in competition with outsiders who come and pay high prices. Could the Minister not do the same in respect of potatoes?
This is a State factory.
What is the Minister doing about it? What about the dead meat factories?
You cannot compare the two industries.
There is a principle involved.