asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the number of jobs it is expected will be lost in firms currently supplying and servicing the motor assembly industry if motor assembly ceases in Ireland after protocol 7 of the EEC Treaty of Accession expires in 1984.
Written Answers. - Motor Assembly Industry.
338.
It is not possible to indicate the number of jobs likely to be lost in firms currently supplying and servicing the motor industry if assembly ceases at the end of 1984.
Very few firms are engaged solely in supplying the Irish motor assembly industry on an original equipment basis. They also cater for the large replacement market. The vast majority of these engaged in the motor components sector are employed in firms which are export oriented and are unlikely to be materially affected by any cessation of motor assembly here.
Furthermore, it is not possible to say at this stage whether all the firms at present engaged in motor vehicle assembly will continue until the end of 1984, or, indeed, whether all existing assembly will cease at that date. Firms currently assembling and who cease operations before the end of 1984 will be required to provide alternatives to assembly in order to continue to qualify for facilities to import fully built up vehicles.
These alternative arrangements could involve additional purchases from Irish sources which would possibly create additional employment in this sector or at least maintain jobs at the present level.