andMrs. Desmond asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report which stated that he had announced in New York that a new factory was to be established on a ten acre site at White's Cross, County Cork, which would produce garden implements; if he was aware prior to making this anouncement that a report had indicated that an existing industry (name supplied) in Cork, which was set up in 1934, was in fact being joined by an American firm (name supplied); if this is one and the same project; and if he will state the employment figures for 1934, 1964, 1965 and the first nine months of this year for the Cork industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Factory.
57.
The press report of October, 1966 mentioned by the Deputies has reference to a project by an American firm for the erection of a new factory at White's Cross for the production of garden implements for export. The press report of December, 1965, referred to the association with an existing industry of the same American firm. While the same American firm is involved, these are two distinct and separate projects.
It is not the practice to give employment figures in relation to individual firms.
Is the Minister aware that in the recent announcement in the newspapers about the factory, there was no indication as to the extent to which it would improve on the existing employment figures?
As is the practice, announcements about new firms give details about the employment envisaged at the beginning and ultimately, with improved production. It is not the practice to give details of the employment in an existing firm at any given time.
Does it not add up to this, that this merger was conducted in December of last year and not on the recent visit of the Minister to America?
These are two separate projects. The new project will be located half a mile away from the existing one. The Deputy may argue what he likes. If the Deputy can make one project of that, he is welcome to it.