andMr. Brosnan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of persons employed by a Cork firm (name supplied) in (a) September, 1974 and (b) September, 1975.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Employment.
16.
andMr. Brosnan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is concerned about the drop in employment figures of a steel works in Cork Harbour (name supplied); and the steps he is taking to provide other employment opportunities in the industry.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
The numbers of persons employed by the Cork firm named were as follows: (a) at 26th September, 1974—1012; (b) at 26th September, 1975—771.
A drop in employment in this industry, as in any other industry is, naturally, a matter of concern. The current recession has caused a serious decline in employment in the steel industry throughout the world and in these conditions opportunities for other employment in the industry do not exist at present. However, opportunities for alternative employment should occur in the new industries which are being established in the Cork area.
18.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of reports that 500 people are about to become redundant at a factory (name supplied) in County Cork; and the plans he has to provide alternative employment in the area.
19.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of jobs at the new factory in County Cork (details supplied) that will be filled by transferring workers from the parent company (details supplied); and the number of new jobs that will be created.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
I understand that the firm referred to by the Deputy is undertaking shortly a major rationalisation programme which it expects will result in the loss of employment for 400 workers, other than seasonal workers, in various locations in Counties Cork, Clare and Limerick. About onequarter of the workers concerned are employed at the factory in County Cork. An additional 660 people had, however, been recently employed in the County Cork factory following a major expansion of the processing facilities there. Discussions are in progress between the management and trade unions about the proposed redundancies. I am naturally very concerned at the prospect of such job losses and have asked the Industrial Development Authority and the Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited to maintain close contact with the firm, so that everything possible will be done to alleviate the difficulties and to assist in finding alternative employment for the workers affected.
As regards the new factory in County Cork, I am informed that its employment potential is 50 workers by mid-1976, most of whom are expected to be recruited locally. The promoters intend to transfer a number of key skilled personnel to the new factory but details have not yet been finalised.