asked the Minister for Agriculture if his Department have got details from Siúicre Éireann on the cost of keeping Tuam sugar factory open over the last three years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Sugar Factory.
11.
The cost to Siúicre Éireann of keeping the Tuam sugar factory in operation is set out in their annual report and accounts which are presented to the Dáil and Seanad. The figures for the years ended 30 September are:
|
£m |
|
|
1983 |
2.57 |
|
1984 |
2.57 |
|
1985 |
2.82 |
I have raised this question before. In the case of the 1985 figure, the amount given does not even cover the wage bill for the workers in Tuam. I pointed out previously that the Sugar Company had provided £8 million for redundancy. The Minister assured us that he would be in contact with the company. Does he still accept these figures? On the question of investment by CSET in the four factories, does he accept that Tuam should get investment equal to that in each of the other three factories?
I certainly accept the figures provided by the company.
What about the question of investment?
I have no evidence to suggest that there is no investment.
I will tell the Minister that there has not been any worthwhile investment during the past few years, apart from some secondhand equipment acquired from the Carlow sugar factory.
Is the Minister aware of the proposal for a further 12 redundancies among the already diminishing staff in Tuam? Has he taken any action regarding the obvious discrimination being imposed by the board of the Sugar Company? In the course of his statement at the annual general meeting the chairman stated that major capital investment would be made in all the factories except Tuam. Has the Minister taken any steps to see that Tuam gets pro rata equality of opportunity and investment in 1986?
I am aware that the work-force within the Sugar Company generally has been reduced considerably in recent years but that reduction has been rather uniformally spread among the four factories.
What about the pro rata investment?
I will raise that matter with the Sugar Company.
Will the Minister report back?
I will let the Deputy know the information they have to divulge.