andMr. Meaney asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is a aware that men will be laid off at Verolme Dockyard, Cork, in the near future if extra orders are not procured; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Verolme Dockyard.
48.
I am aware that redundancies could occur at Verolme Cork Dockyard early in 1973 if new orders are not procured. A container vessel has been ordered by Allied-Irish Banks for lease to the B & I Line and Cork Harbour Commissioners have placed an order with the yard for a grab hopper dredger. Further orders are also being sought.
Is the Minister aware that at the time of the Cork by-election the management of Verolme indicated personally to me, to Deputy Liam Cosgrave and to Deputy P. Barry that there would be redundancies and, within 48 hours, that was denied by the Minister for Transport and Power, which denial was quite incorrect and untrue, and the question now asked is asked for no purpose at all except for Deputy Fitzgerald, the victor in Cork, and Deputy Meaney to try to avoid the wrath of the people who are going to become redundant?
I do not think this is acceptable.
"Untrue" is the strongest term I am allowed to use in this House. I have to use it. This is a public disgrace.
Could the Minister say if the derogation from the provisions of the Treaty of Rome up to the end of 1973 with respect to the subsidisation of shipbuilding is adequate to cover the needs of the situation?
That is a separate question.
I think that would be a separate question.
A deliberate political untruth by a Minister of State. I am speaking about the Minister's colleague, the Minister for Transport and Power, and I am using the strongest word I am allowed to use in this House.
Use a three-letter word.