asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present position regarding the continuance of production at Carrigaline Pottery Company, County Cork, and the steps he is taking to safeguard employment in the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carrigaline (Cork) Pottery Company.
18.
Following on substantial trading losses in recent years, a receiver was appointed to the company on 16 July 1979 at the request of the board of the company. Since then the Industrial Development Authority, in conjunction with the receiver, have advertised extensively at home and abroad for a suitable promoter to take over the company. A number of interested promoters have visited the plant but no firm proposals have emerged to date.
Efforts to secure a party interested in taking over the company as a going concern are proceeding and the receiver has continued production since his appointment. It is understood, however, that the receiver is phasing out the company's tile manufacturing operation. Closure of this unit and other reorganisation activities are expected to result in redundancies on a voluntary basis for some 40 workers and it is understood that final negotiations are proceeding with the trade unions on the proposed redundancies.
Can the Minister give any indication as to the reason for the decline in trading and consequent losses?
The company lost quite a substantial amount of the home market and, I think, lost part of its export market also. It might be argued by the company that it is a matter of opinion why this should be. But the suggestion has been made that they may not have kept their design capabilities up-to-date and that in some respects their product may not have kept up with the times.
Were any grants sought or received for rationalising the company in the last few years?
Yes, grants were sought and received for work done.
Could the Minister state how much was sought and how much was received?
I do not seem to have the figure handy. I will see if I can find it.
I should like to ask the Minister if there is any prospect of Arklow Pottery Limited being prevailed upon to consider taking an interest in this company?
It was something over £300,000 in recent years.
Is there any prospect of the Arklow company being asked to consider an interest in the company concerned?
As the Deputy is aware Arklow Pottery Limited has been taken over by Noritake and they have had more than their share of problems. Until Arklow Pottery Limited is got going strongly I do not think that company is likely to move to Carrigaline.
In view of the fact that the sum of money granted was considerable can the Minister give me an indication of when it was granted and if he considers it necessary to investigate this matter further?
Money was given in recent years—I do not have the dates—and a lot of it was put in by Fóir Teoranta. As a result Fóir Teoranta, before the receiver moved in, had a number of directors on the board.
Before dealing with the next question I should like to draw the attention of the House to the fact that the clocks are not operating satisfactorily in the Chamber.
Like the Government.
We will rely on the clock that is adjacent to me.