asked the Minister for Labour the number of factories which closed during the past six months; the number of redundancies which resulted; and the number of those made redundant who have since been re-employed.
30.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory Closures.
27.
asked the Minister for Labour the total number of industries and factories which have closed this year to date; and the total number of resulting redundancies.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 27 and 30 together.
In the present year to date, a total of 43 industrial establishments have been reported as having closed. The number of workers involved was 1,982. I am not at present in a position to say how many of these closed down during the past six months. Six of the factories concerned have reopened.
It will take some time to compile information on the question of the re-employment of workers who became redundant during the past six months. If the Deputy will be good enough to repeat the question in about three weeks I would hope then to be in a position to furnish information.
Is the Minister in a position to tell us how many people have been employed in the six factories which have reopened? Has he that information with him?
No, I was not asked for that information.
But the Minister put forward the answer himself, that six of them had reopened. He tells us that nearly 2,000 people were rendered unemployed and then he tells me that he cannot tell me. It is all right; I do not blame the Minister; but I can ask a question about it.
We can know the number who receive redundancy money, weekly benefits, the number who went off receiving it; but there are many others who did not qualify for it who are also re-employed. The figures are not readily available. As I told the Deputy, we are trying to get as close an estimate as possible.
Will the Minister give comparable figures for the same period last year?
Perhaps, if I were asked. I am not asked that question.
We will see about it.
Perhaps they are not relevant as the numbers have increased.
There were many years when the figures were high and when they got sweet damn all.
28.
asked the Minister for Labour if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that there may be large-scale redundancies resulting from the closure of six wool textile factories; if his Department were informed of these redundancies; and the plans, if any, his Department have to avert or alleviate any such redundancies.
I have seen the report in question. The Minister for Industry and Commerce has already announced the establishment of a special task force to secure the restructuring of the wool textile industry in a way that would maintain employment at the highest level consistent with viability, and to minimise the effects of any redundancies. The national manpower service of my Department is represented on this task force. The benefits of the Redundancy Payments Acts will be available to redundant workers with the necessary qualifying service.
Is the Minister aware of the calamitous consequences of this report on the business position of a number of small woollen mills around the country? Is the Minister aware that the closing down of certain of these mills would mean total disaster for the local communities depending on those mills? Are these social considerations obtaining as much importance in the Department as some of the more abstract economic considerations?
I am well aware of the social benefits of any factory but one cannot keep factories going for social purposes alone.
The Minister is aware that we do not live in a country where business enterprises have existed on economic factors alone. There are many instances before the House. The Minister should be well aware that in some instances the closure of these factories would mean unemployment and destitution for people in the neighbourhood of the factories. Is the Minister giving sufficient consideration to that factor?
Very much.
Could the Minister place a copy of the Atkins Report in the Dáil Library for the information of Deputies?
I would not consider doing that, now, anyhow.
Sorry?
I would not consider doing it.
Has the Minister any reason?
Yes—out of regard for the firms concerned.
In view of the fact that the names of these firms are known to a large number of people now, surely it would be fair to have the full text and appendices of this report placed in the Dáil Library, as there are at least six constituencies concerned, directly involving Members of the House? It is in the national interest that this information be made available to Deputies in order that they may represent their constituents. Could I ask the Minister to have a word with the Minister for Industry and Commerce about having the report placed in the Library?
Is the Minister aware that the banks are aware of the import of these reports and that this has a most sensitive effect on the future of these industries? Is the Minister aware of that?
No.