asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the fact that close on 200 men were paid off on the closing of the peat fuel factory at Ticknevin some time ago, he is yet in a position to indicate whether the factory is likely to be reopened in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Peat Fuel Factory.
The position of the Ticknevin plant is under consideration but at the moment I am not in a position to make a statement as to reopening.
Could the Minister say approximately when he hopes to be able to make a statement on this matter which is very important for the people who formerly found employment there?
Unfortunately, I am not. The industry has been rather ill-starred and I cannot see anything that would be likely to be helpful at this stage.
Is there any prospect that the Minister could hold out any hope that they may be ultimately re-employed in the factory at an early date? It they know that they will not he so re-employed, they will possibly have to seek employment elsewhere.
I am afraid I cannot. I cannot see anything which would be helpful.
The Minister cannot hold out any hope?
I could, I suppose, hold out a slight hope, but it is so slight that I do not think it would be worth any person's while basing any anticipations on it at this moment.