asked the Minister for Industry and Energy whether he has made any assessment of the number of jobs likely to be lost if the firms which at present are considered to be encountering difficulties are forced to close; and if he will make a statement on the general employment situation.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Job Losses.
10.
The Deputy will appreciate that my responsibilities relate to employment in manufacturing industry and not to all aspects of employment. For that reason I do not consider it appropriate to make a statement on the general employment situation.
As to an assessment of the number of jobs likely to be lost in the circumstances mentioned in the question, I would point out that, first, in the nature of business, all firms encounter difficulties of some magnitude at one time or another; secondly, not all firms that encounter difficulties either close or lose jobs.
Because of the inherent problem in defining the term "difficulties" in the context which the Deputy appears to have in mind and the many subjective considerations that would be involved, I do not consider that it would be feasible to undertake, in an accurate and meaningful way, an assessment of the kind mentioned.
As the Deputy is aware, the situation of firms in manufacturing industry that come to notice or are otherwise identified as encountering difficulties is continuously monitored by my Department in conjunction with other relevant State bodies, notably the IDA and Fóir Teoranta. Every possible effort to assist such firms continues to be made, with a view to minimising job losses and averting closure where it is threatened.
Is the close association and consultation that had been built up between Fóir Teoranta and the IDA still continuing? Would the Minister agree it is necessary to discover, as far in advance as possible, which firms are in trouble in order to avoid eventual closures? This is the important thing to concentrate on.
I will bring this to the Minister's attention. It is only fair to say that the early warning system has proved quite effective. Some firms seem to be reluctant to avail of this warning system, although aid could be given to them before their situation becomes desperate.