asked the Minister for Labour if his Department are aware of the possibility of redundancies resulting from a takeover (details supplied) of a clothing factory; and what steps, if any, his Department have taken to avert or alleviate any such redundancies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clothing Factory Redundancies.
10.
My Department is aware of the position at the factory in question. Officers of the redundancy payments section and of the National Manpower Service have visited the factory on a number of occasions to advise the staff of the provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts, and of the possibilities of alternative employment and retraining for those who may become redundant.
Is the Minister in a position to state the number of people receiving retraining?
Not at this stage. We have had three visits to the factory and have discussed not only retraining but the question of replacement.
Would the Minister be able to give this information to the House later?
Yes.
Can the Minister state if any progress is being made with regard to anticipating such redundancies and to the introduction of new industries to the areas concerned in advance, as was proposed by the CIO ten years ago?
Does the Deputy mean in relation to this factory?
In relation to this factory and others.
We cannot anticipate——
Why not?
We can only act where we have reliable information.
The Government were given that information ten years ago