asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to ensure the continuation of employment in a firm in Galway (name supplied) similar to those taken in 1967 in relation to another firm (name supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Firm Employment.
17.
The responsibility for the granting of State assistance to industrial enterprises which encounter trading difficulties has been entrusted by statute to Fóir Teoranta. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for my Department to make arrangements independently of that body for the continuance in operation of a firm. I understand that Fóir Teoranta are prepared to consider sympathetically any viable proposal which would enable the firm to continue in operation.
Has the Minister received a request to meet a deputation from the community in Galway and the workers to discuss this matter and will he agree to meet that deputation?
I am not personally aware of any such request having been made to me but, even if it were to be made to me, I would have to inform the persons in question that representations should be made, in accordance with the statutory provisions, to Fóir Teoranta who are the people authorised to make decisions in matters of this kind. I think it would be in the interest of all people concerned if it were made known to them that Fóir Teoranta will objectively and firmly assess any proposition that is put to them to maintain the factory in question in production.
The question refers to action taken by the Minister for Finance in 1967. Does the Minister not now consider that similar action can be taken in 1974 by him if he so desires?
No. The position now is that Fóir Teoranta are the responsible organisation for dealing with matters of this kind. I pointed out that Fóir Teoranta was established under the Government of which the Deputy was a member. There is little point in this House passing legislation giving responsibility in this matter to an outside organisation and then presuming to interfere with that responsibility.
Question No. 18.
Would the Minister not agree that in 1967 Taiscí Stáit was in existence but despite that the Minister gave the guarantee at that time?
Its responsibilities were not the same as those of Fóir Teoranta.
Similar.