Vol. 432 No. 6
3 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether he has had discussions with the management and workers in Irish Steel regarding the security of employment in that company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
75 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether he has had discussions with the management and workers in Irish Steel about the security of employment in the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 75 together.
Irish Steel, like all other European steel producers, has been affected by the recent downturn in the steel market. With nearly 90 per cent of its output exported, the company has had to follow price trends pertaining in its main markets. Consequently, the company must now operate on very tight margins. In an attempt to overcome these difficulties and secure employment, the company has made cost-cutting proposals to unions at the Haulbowline plant. These proposals are now the subject of discussions between management and workers. I am confident that management and unions will be able to agree on the actions necessary to maintain employment levels and the future of the plant.
Does the Taoiseach's indication that Irish Steel was on the market for a purchaser represent Government policy? If not, what approach does the Minister proposes to take to deal with the losses there which amount to £16,000 per worker employed and which, as they now stand, jeopardise employment in that industry? Will the Minister give some indication as to his strategy for securing these jobs?
I hear they are in the market for a chairman. Has the Minister been briefed on that?
Na bí ag cur isteach, a Theachta.
As the Deputy is well aware, management and unions are currently negotiating in a difficult and fraught situation because of international circumstances and proposals to reduce costs against a very difficult background and I do not think it would be very helpful for us to speculate aloud in this House on the future options for the company. I assure the House that the future of Irish Steel is of considerable concern to the Government and we will monitor developments currently being negotiated between management and the unions at present.
Does the Minister believe that any negotiations between employers and unions can bridge a loss of £16,000 per job? Is it not the case that the future of this company depends on State policy, perhaps in the context of the Structural Funds?
The Deputy will be aware that the regime for steel in the European Community is particularly constrained because of over supply. I do not think it would be helpful for me to speculate about the strategic options facing this company at present. If the Deputy tables such a question, I would be prepared to answer it in some detail.
Is the company on the market, as the Taoiseach seemed to indicate?
Is it?
The Deputy has tabled a specific priority question asking whether I have had discussions with management and workers in Irish Steel regarding the security of employment in the company. The answer is that I have had detailed discussions with both and those discussions are ongoing. I will not speculate in this House as to the possible options. If the Deputy wants that information he should table a specific question and I will answer it.
I have asked the Minister a question and he is playing cat and mouse.
He is running away.
I am being responsible.
The Minister is running away from the issue, out of control.
It is not going to be privatised and the House can be assured of that.
