asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ascertain from the G.N.R. Board (a) the amount of fees paid to a firm of consultants [name supplied] for work for the board, (b) the experience which the firm had prior to their engagement by the board, and whether their recommendations were implemented, and, if so, with what result, (c) the nature of the results of their work to date in the carriage lifting shop and the wagon shop, Dundalk, and the number of men who have been rendered redundant in each shop, (d) what steps have been taken by the board to satisfy themselves that the alterations already carried out, and the proposed further alterations, in the Dundalk workshops, will, in practice, result in more economical working and increased output, (e) the amount spent to date on alterations to the workshops, and the further amount it is proposed to spend on such work following the consultants' recommendations, and (f) whether the consultants have made any recommendations as to how to increase the traffic receipts of the board, and, if so, the nature of such recommendations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - G.N.R. Board.
The management and operation of the Dundalk works is the responsibility of the board established by the Great Northern Railway Acts 1953. Any information which the Deputy may require about the details of the board's management of the works should, therefore, be sought direct from the board.
I have been informed by the board that considerable re-organisation will be necessary at Dundalk works in order to reach the level of productivity which alone can secure the future of the works and the employment given there. The board have employed a firm of industrial consultants to advise them in the matter. Their report is not yet complete but I understand that the recommendations made so far have not led to any redundancy at the works.
Does the Minister not agree that the time is opportune that at least an interim report be made by these consultants?
I understand certain recommendations have been made by the consultants to the board and, as I have indicated in my reply, these recommendations have not so far led to redundancy. If the works are properly organised there should be no redundancy there but rather a greater volume of employment and more secure and constant employment.