asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that almost half of the employees of a company (name supplied) in County Laois have recently been made redundant; if he proposes to take any steps to protect this comparatively new industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Redundant Workers.
4.
I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that 26 of a total of 56 employees were laid off by this company on 19th February last. I understand that the company have experienced some difficulty in marketing their output and that the IDA are making a detailed investigation of the position with a view to helping the company in their present difficulties.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication of the steps the IDA are taking in view of the fact that this is a very new company who were set up recently.
I understand the IDA have met the company on a number of occasions in the past week about the matter and are actively pursuing that matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the local people are worried that the situation is in danger of worsening? Would he give an assurance to the people still employed in that factory that their prospects are good and the IDA are hopeful of the outcome of the talks?
The IDA are examining this matter very intensively at the moment. I cannot go beyond that because an answer to the questions raised by the Deputy in large measure depends on the results of the detailed investigations to which I referred.