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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Jun 1970

Vol. 247 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Jute Industry.

29.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps have been taken by his Department to safeguard the employment of the workers in the jute industry at Clara, County Offaly.

As the Deputy is, no doubt aware, there are difficulties peculiar to the jute industry not only in this country but elsewhere. For this reason and also because of the extent to which employment in the Clara district is dependent on this industry, my Department have been giving and will continue to give special attention to the situation there.

The steps taken to safeguard the employment of the workers at Clara include special arrangements negotiated for jute products under the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement, grants by the Industrial Development Authority towards the cost of adaptation and diversification projects carried out by the firm concerned, financial assistance under the technical assistance scheme administered by my Department, facilities for the importation of materials, where necessary, and assistance in the field of marketing.

I am sure the Minister and myself share the hope that the efforts of the Department will be more successful than they have been in relation to Athlone.

Would the Minister be able to tell us what year his Department first started paying special attention to this particular industry? In view of the fact that they have been paying such special attention, what effect has it had?

I cannot spell out the particular year. This industry has been receiving the attention of my Department for quite a considerable length of time. I pointed out in my reply that there were and are difficulties peculiar to the jute industry not only here but in other countries also. It is a fact of life. It is one of the factors that must enter into consideration. In the overall context of my reply, I have indicated, under the different headings, the various steps taken to try to sustain this industry.

I listened to the Minister's reply with interest. I also listen with interest to the workers in this industry. It appears that the efforts that have been made up to now——

They are quite happy in Clara. You need not worry.

Deputy Connolly is on full time at the moment. A lot of the people there are on short time.

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