asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware that the publicity surrounding the closure of Ferenka and the subsequent prolonged telecommunications dispute has seriously hampered the overseas promotional work of the IDA; if so, if he has taken, or proposes to take, any corrective action to counteract recent adverse publicity in the overseas press; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - IDA Promotional Work.
98.
I am aware that the publicity surrounding the closure of Ferenka and the telecommunications dispute has hampered the overseas promotional work of the IDA. However, the matters in question must be seen in context and should not be given a disproportionate emphasis. Industrial relations generally in this country are basically satisfactory and there is no material difference between our situation and that of countries such as the UK and the United States, both of which have experienced prolonged industrial disputes in important sectors.
It is as yet too early to assess accurately the impact of the telecommunications dispute or the Ferenka closure on the attainment of job creation objectives. Present idications, however, are that the IDA's job approvals target for the year, which is the highest ever, will be met.
We are constantly on the alert for references in the overseas press which might adversely affect our industrial promotion efforts. Corrective action is taken in the manner deemed most appropriate to the circumstances of any such cases that arise.