asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will indicate the future plans for the milling industry which he has approved; and if he will make a statement on reports that the Portlaoise, Sallins and Waterford branches are to close and that a further 40 people are to be laid off in Portarlington over the next two years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milling Industry.
16.
Future plans for the flour milling industry have not so far been finalised. As regards the Odlum Mills, I am informed that discussions have recently taken place and are continuing between the management and their employees, including representatives of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, on the question of rationalisa-tion within the group over the next few years.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that he has not approved of any action that has already been taken and that he will not approve unless there is agreement between the flour millers and the unions?
Ministerial approval is not required. The firm mentioned in the question——
There was no firm mentioned in the question.
It was mentioned in the reply to the question.
That is different.
They are holding meetings with the ITGWU at present. Due to the continuing fall in the consumption of bread in line with increasing living standards, the Irish flour milling industry has had excess capacity for the past 20 years. Therefore, the two major flour milling companies are rationalising their businesses.
What about the independent millers?
The output of the independent mills is less than the output of the two major mills. I have given the Deputy the information he sought.
In view of the fall-off in flour and bread consumption, is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that there will be justification for closing the Portlaoise, Sallins and Waterford branches?
This matter is presently being discussed by the millers and the unions. My information is that discussions are proceeding on a friendly basis and I am pleased that that is the position. I hope that some beneficial arrangement for the industry and the workers will emerge from the discussions.