asked the Minister for Industry and Energy (i) how many workers will be re-employed in Clondalkin Paper Mills in the event of a takeover by the state; and (ii) when it is proposed to have the Mill in full production again.
Written Answers. - Clondalkin Paper Mills.
374.
The implications of a State takeover at Clondalkin Paper Mills have been studied by consultants whom I have engaged to advise me in regard to the reopening of the mill. As the Deputy will appreciate, final decisions on manning levels and the timescale of achieving full production will depend on a variety of factors, including the date at which negotiations, now under way, for the purchase of the assets of the mill have been concluded, management arrangements and appropriate consultations with the trade union movement.
Because it would be necessary to refurbish the mill and regain markets, it is envisaged that the build-up to full production could take some time.
375.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the reason Clondalkin Paper Mills did not open on 9 June as had been indicated in press statements following a meeting with the Irish Council for Trade Unions.
I presume that the statements mentioned related to a meeting I had on 25 May with representatives of ICTU and of the former workers at Clondalkin Paper Mills.
Arising from that meeting, the matters discussed regarding the reopening of the mills were considered by the Government. As a result, I have been authorised to enter into negotiations with the liquidator for the purchase on behalf of the State of the assets of Clondalkin Paper Mills Limited and these negotiations have begun. In these circumstances, it was not possible to have the mills re-opened by 9 June, but it remains my objective to secure their reopening and the resumption of production on a viable basis at the earliest practicable date.