asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position concerning a company (name supplied) in Wexford.
167.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wexford Mill Position.
166.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps that have been taken to prevent the closure of a factory in Wexford (name supplied); if the closure of the factory can be delayed for more than three months; and the action he proposes to take to provide alternative employment for the present employees in the event of closure.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
Arising from the appointment with effect from 28th January, 1974, of a receiver to the firm, I arranged that financial assistance, limited as to extent and duration, would be made available to the receiver to assist him in his efforts to control the position of the firm and to make a full assessment of the situation.
In providing such temporary financial assistance, I was concerned primarily with the avoidance of hardship that would otherwise arise for the workers concerned through an immediate closure of the mill. The receiver's examination disclosed a very serious loss-making situation. The financial support which is being made available is for a period of 16 weeks from the date of appointment of the receiver. This provides a reasonable time to enable the possibilities of take-over of the firm as a going concern to be explored. It is a difficult and costly operation to maintain the firm in business for this length of time and I cannot give any assurance that the time can be extended.
Meanwhile everything possible is being done by the Industrial Development Authority to attract new industrial projects to the Wexford area, including the building of a large advance factory. The IDA are in contact with a number of promoters who are interested in locating at Wexford. They have already succeeded in securing one new industry for the town.
AnCO and the National Manpower Service are co-operating in regard to the placement and retraining of any workers who may be made redundant.
The Minister was specifically asked in one of those questions about an extension of the length of time. Both management and staff of Fine Wool Fabrics are very anxious that the time should be extended in order to try to negotiate with interested parties to take over this very important industry in Wexford town. As I am sure the Minister is aware, there are in the region of 300 people and their families involved. What are the possibilities of this industry being taken over lock, stock and barrel? I am sure the Minister is aware that this is quite a modern factory with a first-class working force and they have worldwide markets for their products. Something concrete will have to be done. I might add that this is the first time in my 12 years in Dáil Éireann that there has been an industrial problem in Wexford town and Fianna Fáil Deputies have not been asked because it has been made a political scapegoat by the Minister's own party in Wexford town——
The Deputy is making a statement.
This is a very serious situation and one that should not be allowed to arise.
I will refrain from commenting on the last part of the Deputy's remarks. It is a fact that the Minister has received representations from public representatives of the area and from a number of interests in Wexford about this. I know he has been giving a good deal of his time and attention to it and that he will continue to do so.
I understand that the factory is to close on 17th May and that redundancy is to start on 19th April this year. What are the possibilities of postponing the closure date and the commencement of redundancy?
In my original answer I said that I cannot give any assurance that the time can be extended. Speaking on the Minister's behalf I do not think I can add anything to that at present.
Are there any negotiations going on for the take-over of this industry?
I cannot say that.
Just say "yes" or "no"
I cannot say.
The Minister cannot say or he does not know?
I do not know.
So there is something the Minister does not know?