asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the future prospects of the Labbadish factory at Manorcunningham, County Donegal; and what security of employment can be offered to the large pool of skilled and semi-skilled workers in that area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Factory.
54.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Ceimicí Teoranta factory at Labbadish, Manorcunningham, County Donegal where potato starch is produced. This factory operates on a seasonal basis, the length of the production campaign each year being governed by the quantity of potatoes available for processing. On the basis of present operations, there is little hope that continuous employment will be available at the Labbadish factory.
The management of the company have been considering additional products which might be introduced at the Labbadish factory, but there are a number of restricting factors, including the specialised nature of the plant.
Could the Minister say what is the average length of the season?
It varies. In 1966 it was eight weeks. That was the duration of the production campaign. They keep people on cleaning and maintaining the machinery.
Could the Minister give us any indication as to what kind of employment those other workers have outside the eight weeks?
In 1968 it was 22 weeks.
It is not much consolation.
I agree. As I have said, on the basis of the operations as they are at present there is really very little hope of continous employment. The Deputy will appreciate that the operation of the factory depends largely on the supply of potatoes which, in turn, is governed by the market. They want to get the surplus in the factory. This is the reason they are considering additional products in order to ensure more continuous employment.
Is there much hope in that direction?
There is some but there are some restricting factors.
In the meantime the poor chaps may have to get out of it.
They are not going to be any better off than they have been in the past.