asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any alternative employment will be found for the 300 workers who become unemployed in the Athlone area in September as a result of the closure of a firm (details supplied); and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Closure of Athlone Firm.
70.
I have known, for some time, of the impending reduction in employment in the firm concerned and have had meetings with representatives of the management and of the workers.
The IDA are aware of the urgent need to attract an alternative industry to the area and this aspect of the matter is being vigorously pursued by them.
In addition, the Manpower Service of the Department of Labour is inquiring as to the possibilities of alternative employment for the workers concerned and will put them in touch with any employers having suitable vacancies. Officers of the Department of Labour have already visited the firm's premises and advised the workers concerned of the provisions of the Redundancy Payments and Resettlement Allowances Schemes and of the courses available at training centres run by An Chomhairle Oiliúna.