asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Liffey Dockyard is still not offering much work to many skilled operatives; and whether there are any plans to upgrade the importance of the dockyard and thus utilise the unique skills of the operatives.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liffey Dockyard.
37.
Following the recent redundancy at Liffey Dockyard, I have urged various shipping companies and ship owners generally to consider giving more work both in the way of overhaul and new construction to Liffey Dockyard, and the response has been encouraging. I am also having examined the question of making it more attractive for prospective buyers of the larger middle-water type of fishing trawler to place orders with Irish yards such as Liffey Dockyard.
I am aware that proposals for modernising and expanding the yard's shipbuilding and ship repairing facilities are at present under examination.
Is the Minister aware that there are many men who formerly worked in this yard and are presently unemployed—highly skilled men—and is it not a great tragedy that their skill cannot be used in this yard?
Yes, I am so aware. As I have indicated I have already taken steps to improve the situation, with some results, and the employment there, while lower than it has been in the past, is at present higher than it was a couple of months ago. I hope that, as a result of the steps we are taking and of the plans for modernising and expanding the yard, the position will improve in the future.