asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware (a) that the Dickens Leather Company, Dungarvan, have laid off a number of their employees due to a shortage of hides; and that Dungarvan Glue and Gelatine Company, Limited, who receive some of their raw material from the Dickens Leather Company, have been forced to close down temporarily, disemploying about 75 workers; (b) that this shortage of hides is caused by the large-scale export of cattle on the hoof; and, if so, whether he will endeavour to come to some arrangement with the British authorities whereby hides of Irish cattle will be made available to meet the requirements of the Irish tanners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Hides.
I am aware that the Dickens Leather Company recently laid off a number of their employees. I am also aware that Dungarvan Glue and Gelatine Company were forced to close down during the first three weeks of this month, but I understand that work at the factory recommenced on 23rd May on a full-time basis.
The Dickens Leather Company have informed me that the disemployment of workers was not due to a shortage of cattle hides but to a shortage of sheepskins and that the shortage of sheepskins has been caused by the establishment of a number of new tanneries. Imported sheepskins which are used in substitution, do not, I am informed, provide the same degree of employment in tanning.
Is the Minister aware that that factory is now in full production?
Yes, since the 23rd May.