asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Managing Director of the IDA on 4 May 1980 that the history of major industrial relations disputes in the Limerick region, with particuar reference to the former Ferenka plant and the current Alcan project, had resulted in the cancellation of a German engineering project for this region, which would have provided 250 jobs in full production, and if he will make a statement on the Government views on this serious situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Industrial Disputes.
12.
I am aware of the statement in question. I am informed by the IDA that they are satisfied that the history of industrial relations in the Limerick area was a significant factor influencing the company's decision not to proceed with the project. In the light of the company's sudden withdrawal, the IDA had considered that the only new element which could have given rise to their decision was the current difficulties at Aughinish seen against the background of the earlier disputes which led to the closure of the Ferenka plant.
The Government are seriously concerned about the risk for the Aughinish Alumina project arising from the current dispute and the implications which these major disputes, and resultant publicity abroad, have for our industrial development programme as a whole. Every appropriate step is being taken to resolve the problems on the Aughinish site.
Has the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism called in the ICTU and FUE to discuss this entirely disgraceful and deplorable situation?
The Deputy is aware of the action taken. The Minister for Labour has set up a commission which is to report on the situation at Aughinish and we are waiting for that report.
In view of the very serious employment implications, not merely in Munster but throughout the country, would the Minister not agree that there also devolves on the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism responsibility to lay it on the line in no uncertain terms to those directly concerned the serious effect of their quite disgraceful action?
The Minister and the Government are concerned about the problems that have been created not only in that area but in other areas. The IDA are operating in a highly competitive environment worldwide where there is considerable competition for whatever funds are available for industrial progress. Any complications such as industrial unrest which create additional problems for them are to be deplored.
Would the Minister not agree that whereas it is the responsibility of the Minister for Labour to resolve the industrial relations dispute currently in train, there devolves a direct responsibility on the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the IDA to bring in the social partners to review that situation? Otherwise, the bad name our country has in that regard will get worse.
I should like to ask the Minister——
Is the Ceann Comhairle ignoring this side of the House?
Deputy Quinn has been offering.
So have I but you do not seem to look this way.
Am I right in assuming that the IDA were not officially or directly told by the German company that that was the reason they were cancelling the project and that the IDA guessed this could be the only reason?
No. The IDA were informed by telex of a number of reasons. One was that an examination of the union situation in Limerick regarding the two rival unions which led to the closure of Ferenka was still unclear, that a discussion with the unions did not come to a clear result and that similar power struggles could repeat themselves. It appeared to them that the risks would be too high.
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Shane Redmond, General Secretary of the Marine Port and General Workers Union said last night on RTE radio that the German company did not approach him at any time?
I am not so aware. I did not hear that interview.
The Minister might pursue that matter because it seems to be at variance with his reply.
In view of the special problems that have arisen in the Limerick area, has the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism discussed with the Minister for Labour the possibility of having some senior members of the Labour Court present in Limerick in order to sort out any residual problems?
The problems on the Aughinish site are the subject of an inquiry by the commission set up under the chairmanship of, I think, the Limerick County Manager. The matter is at a very delicate stage and we should not say anything here——
I appreciate that the present dispute is at a very delicate stage but the fact is there have been two serious disputes in the Limerick area. Many people have described the problems as particular to the Limerick region. I should like to know what action the Government have taken to sort out on a long-term basis whatever problems exist at Limerick, if there are such problems.
We want to solve problems not only in Limerick but in the rest of the country.
Question No. 13 is for written reply.