asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will make a comprehensive statement on the recent take-over of the National Board and Paper Mills Limited, Granagh, Waterford, specifically on the negotiations and agreements made by his Department and the IDA in respect of the continuance of employment in the plant; the steps he and the IDA have taken to ensure the continuing viability of the box plant in the Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Factory Take-Over.
19.
The IDA are engaged in negotiations with two parties one of whom proposes to maintain production at the box plant and the other proposes to resume production at the board mill. Pending the completion of these negotiations I am not in a position to make any further statement in the matter.
Arising from the Minister's reply the Minister will recall the deputation that met him and I am sure he will recall the importance which local people are giving to continued employment at the National Board and Paper Mill works. Can the Minister now give an assurance that the relevant section which is in question here will be sold to a person who will continue it and that the Minister or the IDA will not allow it to be abandoned? Secondly will the Minister give me some indication as to when a final outcome will be brought about in this matter?
Negotiations are at an advanced stage in regard to the whole of this plant which is in two parts. The IDA are seeking to make arrangements for one of those to be taken over by one interest and for the other to be taken over by another interest so that the two distinct parts of the factory, which are basically one unit at the moment, will be divided. The two parts, the box plant and the paper board plant will be run independently by these two independent entities. Both of the entities or companies, with which the IDA are in negotiation, are substantial bodies with considerable interest in their respective fields. I am confident that, when these negotiations are concluded and each of the two interests take over the respective parts, the future for both the plants in this factory should look reasonably bright in all the circumstances.
I am pleased to hear the Minister's reply. Will the Minister give me assurances that the IDA will give as generous a grant as is possible in view of the employment situation in Waterford?
It is my experience that the level of IDA grants is rarely a breaking point in matters such as this; it is usually other factors.
May I take it that the grants will be forthcoming?
Assistance will be forthcoming.