asked the Minister for Finance if he will amplify the statement of his representative at the annual general meeting of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann that there will be a short term reduction in employment; whether this reduction has been quantified; and whether full consultation preceded this announcement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Employment.
80.
The boards of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta and Erin Foods Limited have submitted proposals to my Department which are aimed at improving the financial performance of the food processing project. These proposals are at present under examination and a full statement will be made at an early date. The proposals, if implemented, will involve a short-term reduction in employment at some factory centres but I am not in a position to give details in this regard before final decisions are taken. Every effort will be made, however, to ensure that redundancies are kept to a minimum. Preliminary consultations have taken place with the trade unions and discussions will be continued when final decisions on the future of the food project are taken. The statement by my representative at the annual general meeting of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta was made in the light of my Department's examination of the company's proposals.