(Waterford) asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware of the grave threat posed to the 240 employees of Waterford Ironfounders Limited, following the receiver being called in to that company on Friday, and of the additional burden this would place on the city of Waterford, which has an unacceptably high rate of unemployment above the national average; the steps he proposes to take to safeguard these jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Private Notice Question. - Threat to Waterford Industry.
I share the Deputy's concern at the decision to appoint a receiver to the company in question. I had hoped that the restructuring package, involving substantial contributions by the IDA and by Fóir Teoranta, worked out in 1981 for the TMG Group, would have put the position of the group as a whole on a sound footing. However, in the case of Waterford Ironfounders, the market situation deteriorated in the meantime.
I understand that the receiver is at present assessing the situation and a report is awaited from him as to his intentions regarding the continuance of operations in the short term.
Every effort is being made by the IDA and Fóir Teoranta to ensure the survival of the company and the maintenance of employment there. To that end, talks regarding a takeover are in progress.
(Waterford): Will the Minister accept that in relation to the restructuring package of 1981 which he referred to not a single shilling of that £6.5 million package went to Waterford Ironfounders? It appears that Waterford Ironfounders are to be sacrificed in order that the TMG group can continue. Is the Minister aware that there is a tremendous potential for Waterford Ironfounders inasmuch as two of their products, Stanley Firefront, a new product which is recognised as an energy saver, and the Stanley Cooker have a good market? The consensus of opinion is that there is a great future for those products and for Waterford Ironfounders as a foundry in its own right. Will the Minister be prepared to commit himself, and his Department, to finance the company until the IDA and Fóir Teoranta have prepared a rescue package?
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that until I receive the report from the receiver I am not in a position to go any further than I have already done. I ask the Deputy to appreciate that in the sensitive area of a takeover, when talks are in progress, we cannot pursue the matter any further.
I gave the Chair notice of a Private Notice Question in my name, and that of Deputy Treacy, in regard to the threat to more than 200 jobs at Irish Leathers Limited factories at Portlaw, Dungarvan and Carrick-on-Suir and I cannot understand why it was disallowed. The threat to those jobs as part of a package from Fóir Teoranta was not communicated to the workers involved until after we discussed the matter in the House on 27 October. I find it incomprehensible that the Minister for Industry and Energy is not in a position to answer my question.
The reason for disallowing the Deputy's question was given to him and I cannot elaborate on that matter any further but if the Deputy wishes further elaboration he is welcome to call to my office.
Mr. Treacy
I trust my intervention in this matter will not be construed as in any way challenging the ruling of the Chair but I am sure the Ceann Comhairle will accept that I did not table this question, in conjunction with my colleague, Deputy Higgins, without satisfying myself that it did conform to the rules of urgency and importance particularly in the light of the new situation created by a virtual declaration of the redundancy of 202 jobs to spread over the factories at Portlaw, Dungarvan and Carrick-on-Suir. The situation is such that if there is not early intervention by the Minister, and the Government, irreparable damage will be done to this most important industry which is indigenous to the soil of our country.
The Deputy, more than any other Member, having been Ceann Comhairle must recognise that he cannot question a ruling of mine on a matter such as this but he is welcome to call to my office where I will explain the matter further to him.
Mr. Treacy
Is the Minister aware of the new situation that has arisen since the matter was last discussed here, that 202 redundancies have now been declared? The situation has changed and irreparable damage will be done if the Minister does not act immediately.
I will give the Deputy my reasons for refusing the question if he calls to my office.
I would be obliged to receive written replies to the questions in my name on the Order Paper.
With the permission of the Chair I wish to raise the subject matter of Questions Nos. 565 and 566 on today's Order Paper on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.