Vol. 504 No. 2
261 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position in relation to a factory (details supplied) in North Mayo; the number employed in the factory; if their jobs still exist; the action, if any, Údarás na Gaeltachta has taken to prevent the loss of these jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11379/99]
I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that the company in question is in severe difficulty and that the workforce has been greatly reduced to the extent that there is only a small number of persons employed on a full-time basis at present. An tÚdarás invested in shares in the company in 1997 with a view to rescuing the business but despite this investment – and indeed all the assistance provided by Gaeltarra Éireann and an tÚdarás for various efforts to establish a viable industry in conjunction with the businessman in question – I understand from an tÚdarás that they do not believe there is an acceptable case for another rescue attempt.
The Deputy may be assured that an tÚdarás will continue with its efforts to find other suitable employment opportunities for the area.
