asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious position arising in Tuam, County Galway, as a result of the closure of Anglo-Irish Weavers with loss of employment for 146 persons; and if he will make a comprehensive statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answer. - Closure of County Galway Industry.
21.
I am aware of the situation in Tuam as a result of the closure of Anglo-Irish Weavers which was caused by the inability of the company——
(Interruptions.)
Question No. 22.
I did not hear the reply to Question No. 21.
The Deputy could not hear it because it was not given. The reply was interrupted by his friends over there. I am aware of the situation in Tuam as a result of the closure of Anglo-Irish Weavers which was caused by the inability of the company to compete with low cost fabrics in the British market. Despite intensive efforts on the part of the Industrial Development Authority to attract an alternative line of production to the factory, I regret to say that it has not been possible to avert the closure.
My Department and the Industrial Development Authority are making every effort to secure an alternative industry to replace Anglo-Irish Weavers.
Some alleviation of the effects of the closure will be provided by the establishment of the new factory in Tuam by Dart Ireland Ltd. which I announced some time ago.
It is a pity that the Minister for Industry and Commerce did not see fit to come to the House and answer this question.
The Minister is in the Seanad——
I think he should be here.
——promoting legislation. He cannot be expected to be in the two Houses at the same time.
Will the Minister for Industry and Commerce be prepared to do the same thing for Tuam as he did in his own constituency for Good-bodys of Clara?
As I informed the Deputy, the Minister has already announced the establishment of a new factory in Tuam by Dart Ireland Ltd.
Can the Minister state how many people this factory will employ and what type of employment will be given?
It will employ approximately 280.
When?
When in full production in 1973 the male employment force will be approximately 100.
Is the Minister aware that the promise he has given regarding this new factory in Tuam——
I made no promise. It was a statement.
——is the same as was made in the case of the textile factory? Further, is the Minister aware that there are 146 people in Tuam without jobs at the moment due to the closure of this factory? Is the Minister aware that the IDA have admitted that they gave a grant of £37,000 towards the training of people for this textile industry and surely these people cannot be suitable for any other industry?
The number of people who were made redundant is 117—not the figure given by the Deputy.
I am calling Question No. 22.