asked the Minister for Industry and Energy his plans, if any, to replace the Weatherglaze factory in Cahir, County Tipperary.
446.
Written Answers. - Cahir (Tipperary) Factory.
445.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will ensure that the work force who were recently laid off as a result of the Weatherglaze closure will be considered for employment by the new company Weatherglaze Solus Ltd. at Cahir, County Tipperary.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.
Since this company went into liquidation in January 1983 the Industrial Development Authority in conjuction with the liquidator had been actively seeking to have the assets, including those of the Cahir operation, taken over with a view to the resumption of employment by as many as possible of the former work force. To this end discussions have taken place with a number of interested parties. I understand that: (a) the liquidator was authorised in the High Court on 28 February 1983 to enter into a contract with an existing Irish company in a related line of business for the acquisition of some of the assets of the company; (b) the arrangements so authorised do not envisage the resumption of activity on a permanent basis at the Cahir factory.
In the circumstances the IDA are now endeavouring, with the liquidator, to secure for the Cahir factory a replacement industry that would provide alternative employment for workers who lost their jobs at that factory when the company went into liquidation.