asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the cause of the recent dismissal of a number of workers from Fuel Importers (Eire) Limited, and if he will take steps to prevent further reductions in their staffs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissal of Workers.
Mr. Byrne
The causes of the recent redundancy of workers in Fuel Importers (Éire) Limited are (a) the cessation of imports of coal from the United States of America, and (b) the virtual completion of sales of fuel stocks held by the company since the emergency years.
Further reductions in staff are unavoidable as the company's activities diminish.
Mr. Byrne
In view of this increasing unemployment and the fact that the men were led to believe by somebody in a Government Department that employment would be found for them, will the Minister try to find employment for the men who have been dismissed or are about to be dismissed, some of them having upwards of ten years' service?
The Deputy will understand that it is impossible to employ the men at handling coal because it is not coming in. The Minister for Industry and Commerce was naturally anxious when he saw this situation arising, and he gave instructions to the Department that all State companies were to be approached with a view to placing as many of these men as possible, or all of them, if possible, in employment. The Department of Industry and Commerce got in touch with many State companies and semi-State companies—I have a long list of them here. They were approached to try to absorb these people, and every effort will be made to have them absorbed.
Mr. Byrne
In view of the unexpectedness of their dismissal will the Minister see that they will get a bonus of some sort to keep them for a little while until they get employment?
That is another question. It must have been obvious to everybody that this thing would come to an end, and the other line of approach is, I think, the better one.