asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the number of small industries depending on the dyehouse service of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards; if he considers the service is meeting these needs adequately; the improvements planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - IIRS Dyehouse Service.
6.
I am aware of the number of small firms which depend on the dyehouse service of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards. I understand that there have been some problems for the institute in meeting the increased demand for this service following the closure in 1983 of the only private dyehouse operating in Ireland on a commission basis.
The institute have assured me that they are committed to the continuation of this service and are currently examining the possibilities for some expansion of the service within the limits of available resources.
I understand that the IDA have approved grant assistance to a local firm towards the take over of the private dyehouse service which closed in 1983. This should help alleviate some of the demand on the IIRS service.
Could we have an assurance that the resources made available to the IIRS will be sufficient to meet the demands for this service? There are over 60 small industries from Donegal to Wexford in the textile area depending solely on the dyehouse service of the IIRS. This time last year they employed up to 2,000 people. Unfortunately, because the IIRS could not meet the demand and with the consequent cash flow crisis and lay-offs in the industry the number involved has dropped somewhat. We heard earlier from the Minister the efforts the IDA are making to create jobs. Can we not ensure that these 2,000 jobs will be secure? This argument has been going on for over two years and we have got no further. The situation is still appalling. The IIRS cannot meet the needs of the industry and I would like to know what can be done immediately without further deliberation.
The proposal from the management of the IIRS to improve their dyehouse facilities is under consideration by the board of that body. They will be proceeding to make arrangements which will improve the situation. I have also indicated in regard to the type of activity that would be suitable in the previously operated private dyehouse that facilities will be available now on a commissioned basis from the new promoter for a fabric dying service. The main business of the IIRS is in yarn dyeing. There is a problem that small lot dyeing is not a very economic activity and the IIRS have had to increase their fees for this purpose to cover their costs. I understand that the users could make some contribution towards reducing costs by concerting the type of request they make to the dyehouse to achieve some economies of scale in the type of work done in the IIRS. I am assured that the IIRS would welcome discussion with the people concerned to progress matters further within what are very constrained financial resources. I understand the IIRS will be doing their best to meet the demand for services of this kind.
May I take it that the Minister sees the problem as urgent and that it will be treated by the IIRS and those concerned in the same light?
The IIRS must see this problem in the context of the numerous other technical service needs of industry they have to meet. I understand, however, that they will be doing something about this which will help but whether it will be enough to meet all of the Deputy's many requests in this matter I cannot as yet say. At any rate there will be an improvement. A useful purpose would be served by further discussions between the users and the IIRS to see what further contribution the users could make towards helping this process.