asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, owing to the strike of workers in Industrial Gases Limited, there has been a laying-off of between three hundred and four hundred workers in Irish Steel Holdings Limited with a danger of the complete closing down of the plant; and if he will take action to see that some alternative source of supply is provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disemployment of Steel Workers.
22.
I am aware that owing to the strike of workers in Industrial Gases Ltd., there had been a laying off of workers by Irish Steel Holdings Ltd.
However, as the strike has now been settled and adequate supplies of oxygen will be made available to the company, the question of the provision of an alternative source of supply does not arise.
I wonder would the Parliamentary Secretary be able to indicate to Deputy Corry, Deputy Burton, and myself, before we leave for Cork to-morrow, if there is any chance in the forseeable future of these people being re-employed?
As the Deputy knows, I would be very loath to advise Deputy Corry on anything; he is an expert in several fields. However, I understand that there has been a continuous flow of oxygen from yesterday and that should have the desired effect.
I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for his assurance to Deputy Burton and myself in this regard. With regard to his reference to Deputy Corry, I wonder does he know that Deputy Corry canvassed every house in Cobh——
That is a separate question.
(Interruptions.)
On the same lines as in Cavan, that you were going to close the Verolme Dockyard.
It is only fair to the workers employed at Irish Steel to say that they did not want anyone to break the strike.
23.
andMr. Burton asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the recent lay-off of a great number of employees at Irish Steel Holdings Ltd., Haulbowline, Cobh, County Cork; if he will indicate the reason for this; and if he will state when it is likely that they will be re-employed.
I am aware that, in consequence of an industrial dispute, and the cessation of supplies of oxygen to Irish Steel Holdings Ltd. a number of workers were laid off by that company.
With the ending of the strike and the resumption of oxygen supplies this week, steelmaking operations have recommenced. I am informed by the company that a number of the men laid off have already been re-employed and that it is anticipated that employment will be restored to the pre-strike level at an early date.