asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if any report has been submitted to his Department by Irish Dunlop Limited concerning their future production programme at Marina, Cork, in the context of this company's recent UK and European rationalisation decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Dunlop.
1.
I am aware that Irish Dunlop are taking measures to adjust to the changing circumstances which have led to the present difficulties being experienced by the motor vehicle tyre industry in the UK and Western Europe while at the same time doing their utmost to minimise adverse consequences for employment at their Marina plant in Cork. The company have recently announced that employment will need to be reduced by 90 during the coming months mostly by early retirement and a policy of non-replacement.
Is the difficulty likely to be long term?
I hope not, but the difficulty arises from the drop in demand for motor vehicle tyres and due to the modern technology used in the manufacture of these tyres the life of them is longer than it traditionally was. However, Dunlops in Ireland have expressed the hope that the action which they have taken will be as far as they will have to go, although, as the Deputy is aware, they had severe redundancies in Britain.
Has the Minister any information that the Pirelli production programme and the tyre plant programme of the other company in Dublin seems to be stabilised while Irish Dunlop seem to be facing uniquely difficult circumstances?
The Dublin firm, Semperit, have their problems in terms of reduced demand but I am hopeful that they will be able to avoid any serious consequences of that situation.