asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the great concern of the employees and their families arising out of a statement by the general manager of Potez (Ireland) Limited that it is proposed to reduce considerably production in the Galway factory; and if he will state what steps he can take to safeguard the employment of the workers concerned.
Private Notice Question. - Galway Potez Factory.
My attention has been drawn to press reports published to-day of the laying off of workers at the Potez factory in Galway. These reports include a reported statement by the general manager of the company giving the reasons for this development and indicating the efforts being made to promote the sale of existing stocks in order to prepare for the normal resumption of work as early as possible. I have no further information in the matter and I am not aware of any steps it is open to me to take to safeguard the employment of the workers concerned. I trust that it will be possible for the company to achieve an early resumption of normal working.
Can the Minister indicate how he has come to trust that there will be a resumption? As this is a matter of paramount importance to the workers concerned, I should like to have that clear.
From the statements available to me, reportedly coming from the general manager of the company, the reasons for the present developments are marketing difficulties which they hope to overcome and resume working as soon as possible.
Can the Minister indicate what is "as soon as possible" because many of these workers will possibly have emigrated as soon as possible.
The Deputy should appreciate that my anxiety for the employment of the workers is none the less because of my inability to make a market for what is being produced.
I can assure the Minister that I am just as anxious, having proposed that the site be made available by Galway Corporation; so I would like to see that the Minister will keep in touch and keep the workers informed as to what can be done.