asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to reports that the maltings at Tullamore, County Offaly, are about to close down and that there will be no further malting of barley after this year; what alternative employment will be available for the workers concerned; if compensation will be given for loss of employment; and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Maltings.
137.
I understand that a scheme of voluntary rationalisation by the Irish Maltsters Association for the malting industry to permit of its survival under freer trading conditions is, at present, under active consideration. Pending the outcome of the Association's deliberations, I am unable to make any statement in the matter.