asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will make a statement on the closure of Weatherglaze Limited, Greenhills Estate, Dublin 12; and if it will be possible to save any of the jobs there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Company Closures and Slow-downs.
13.
Since this company went into liquidation in January 1983, the Industrial Development Authority in conjunction with the liquidator has been actively seeking to have the assets taken over with a view to the resumption of employment by as many as possible of the former workers. To this end discussions have taken place with a number of interested parties. I understand that 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. It is hoped that this contract, if successfully concluded, will provide the opportunity for re-employment of some of the workers formerly employed by the company in the Dublin area.
Is the Minister in a position to say how many jobs may be rescued or saved?
As the Deputy will probably know, there has been a variety of different figures suggested in various reports in the media as to the number of potential workers who might be employed if the centre was reactivated. They vary from figures of quite a low nature up to a possible or potential work-force of about 100. My understanding is that the probability is that some 20 of the former Weatherglaze workers would be employed in the new project and the remainder of the work force, if the firm was to be re-established, would be based at the operational plant of the company engaged in the take-over.
Prior to Weatherglaze going out of business they had taken on a number of contracts. Is the Minister in a position to state whether or not these contracts will be honoured or met?
That seems to be a separate question.
I am afraid I have not got that information.
The remaining 414 questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper, 13 questions having been disposed of today.
Might I have a written reply to question No. 15 on today's Order Paper?
Might I suggest to the Deputies that it is not necessary to ask for written replies in the House? If they go to the General Office they will be supplied there.