Vol. 307 No. 14
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the current position of Verolme Cork Dockyard Limited, concerning the seeking by the company of direct State assistance in respect of general contracts and the placing of contracts by the Government and State-sponsored bodies with this company.
56.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the threat of the lay-off of workers at Verolme Cork Dockyard; and, if so, the proposals, if any, he has to protect employment in the industry.
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
In view of the current worldwide depression in shipbuilding, I am keeping in very close touch with developments at Verolme Cork Dockyard and I am aware of the threat of the lay-off of some of the workers if no new shipbuilding orders are received in the immediate future.
The Deputies are no doubt aware that State aids are currently available in respect of shipbuilding. In so far as orders by the Government and State-sponsored bodies are concerned, VCD are at present engaged in building a car ferry for the B & I Line and a fishery protection vessel for the Department of Defence. The question of possible further orders from these and other State sources is under urgent consideration.
