asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the large number of workers being made redundant in an industry (name supplied) in Killarney town, County Kerry; and if he will state the steps he intends to take to get the industry back in full production again or to provide alternative employment for the redundant workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Redundant Workers.
1.
I am aware of, and concerned about, redundancies in the firm mentioned. Due to the general recession in trade on the home and export markets this firm have been forced to reduce their work force. I understand that the firm are at present negotiating in an effort to replace lost export orders. Any assistance which the State agencies can provide is available to the firm. They have benefited from State grants in the past.
I have indicated on previous occasions the actions I have taken in an effort to alleviate the problems of sensitive sectors of industry, including the footwear industry. The system of surveillance to which I have made reference previously and which will, inter alia, cover footwear will be introduced as from tomorrow, 12th June, following clearance by the EEC Commission.
The Industrial Development Authority are giving close attention to the situation in Killarney.
Is the Minister aware that the number of persons employed in this industry has been reduced over the past few years from 300 to about 80 at present? Is he also aware that in previous years when there was a cash flow problem in this industry, they were always able to get a loan or a grant from the ICC or one of the State agencies and that facilities were not made available to them in recent years?
In regard to what the Deputy says about loans or grants from State agencies, I was not aware that any recent approaches in this regard had been either turned down or had been unsuccessful. I would be happy to intervene on behalf of the firm if there are grants or loans outstanding to see what can be done in that regard.
I am not suggesting that there are loans outstanding, but is the Minister aware that facilities which were made available to this firm in previous years were not made available to them during the past couple of years?
I was not so aware, and I will certainly investigate it and if there is any such changed situation to rectify it.
Could the Minister say what positive steps, apart from talks and discussions, has he and the Department taken in relation to the footwear industry for the past two years?
I cannot allow a broadening of the question which relates to Killarney.
The Minister referred to the surveillance scheme in his reply. Could he state how it will operate?
If the Deputy will permit me, he will know that there is a Private Members' motion under discussion and I will have an hour later on today and I propose to deal with it then.