asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that a British owned firm (details supplied) has announced its intention of closing down, and that this move had apparently been planned by the company for some time; the financial aid by way of grants or loans the company has received from the IDA or other State agencies; and the measures the Government intend to take to recover these moneys.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closure of British Firm.
19.
I am aware of the proposed closure of the company in question. I understand the company discharged its statutory requirements by giving 30 days notice of closure to the Minister for Labour.
Details of grants provided by the IDA have been published in the authority's annual reports. I am not aware that financial assistance has been provided for the company by other State agencies.
The IDA are hopeful that a takeover of the factory can be arranged. If a take-over is not secured, IDA grants will be recouped in accordance with normal grant liability.
Would the Minister agree that it would seem that this company is closing not because it is not a profitable venture but because of investment decisions made by Imperial Tobacco and Barclay Trust and that there appears to be an unwillingness on the part of the company to allow the factory to be taken over by some other body or group?
My understanding of the reason given by Ross Foods Limited was that there was surplus production capacity here and in the United Kingdom caused by a drop in demand and high production costs which, according to the company, make it no longer profitable to produce burgers for export. The company was also unhappy with the raw material supply situation here in Ireland.
The Minister is aware, I am sure, that the company changed its name from Portion Foods Limited to Coolock Foods Limited and there is concern among the workforce that the reason may be that it is an attempt to avoid responsibility for redundancy. Will the Minister give an assurance that if redundancies should take place staff will get their full entitlements?
I would be very concerned that any such sharp practices would take place. I will certainly bring what the Deputy has said to the notice of the Minister for Labour who has responsibility for redundancies. I can assure the Deputy that with regard to my responsibility in Industry no sharp practices will be allowed with regard to the repayment of grant moneys, it that arises.