asked the Minister for Finance the prospects for employment in the Erin Foods factory, Carlow, for 1973.
40.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carlow Food Factory.
39.
asked the Minister for Finance the vegetable acreage in the Erin Foods factory, Carlow, for (a) 1972 and (b) 1973.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 39 and No. 40 together.
There were 1,302 acres of vegetables grown for the Carlow factory in the current year. I understand that Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta have made no arrangements yet for vegetable contracts in the Carlow area in 1973 and that, in accordance with normal procedures, discussions between the company and the growers' representatives on this matter are due to begin in the near future.
The stated policy of CSET is that the position of all full-time employees on the food project is assured. Pending the outcome of discussions between the company and the growers' representatives on the acreages for 1973, I cannot indicate the position of seasonal employees at the Carlow factory.
Has the Minister seen in the Irish Farmers Journal, 4th November last, page 3, a statement by one of the present directors of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta, Mr. Maher, under the heading “Vegetable Factories to Close”, that some of the sugar company's processing plants are likely to close, at least on a temporary basis? Would the Minister give an assurance that the plant in Carlow will not close? Does the Minister recollect a deputation which he and the Minister for Industry and Commerce received on 14th July last to which an undertaking was given that the Erin Foods factory in Carlow would not close unless an alternative industry was to be provided in Carlow?
The Deputy is entitled to ask a question.
Does the Minister recollect that at that meeting it was stated there was a 65 per cent chance of a certain industry coming to Ireland and if it came that there was a 90 per cent chance that it would come to Carlow? Would the Minister now make a statement on the matter and would he ensure that full employment will be maintained in the Erin Foods factory in Carlow in the coming year? The figure I have been given states there are 37 people employed there.
The employment position in relation to the potential closing of the Carlow factory, as stated by the Deputy, has not changed and I cannot add to the reply I have given.
Can the Minister hold out any hope for full employment in the Erin Foods factory in Carlow in the coming year?
The position in regard to employment in Erin Foods in Carlow is as I have stated in my reply.