asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that workers employed at Irish Worsted Mills, Portlaoighise, have been paid off, and that others are on short time; and in view of the great local unemployment at Portlaoighise and financial loss to the town owing to conditions prevailing in this industry, what action he has taken or proposes to take to improve it and provide full time employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Worsted Mills, Portlaoighise.
6.
I am aware that a number of workers employed at Irish Worsted Mills Limited, Portlaoighise, have been laid off or put on short time. The present difficulties of the industry have been the subject of several discussions with the woollen and worsted mills and were considered, some weeks ago, at a joint conference of representatives of the manufacturers' association and the trade unions. All concerned are aware that careful consideration will be given by me to any proposals which they may put forward for resolving these difficulties.
The woollen and worsted industry is protected by means of periodical quotas appointed under the Control of Imports Acts, 1934 and 1937. The size of the current quota has been agreed between the woollen and worsted mills and users of woollen and worsted cloths.
Does the Minister recollect his visit to Portlaoighise prior to the last general election? Does he remember the solemn guarantee he gave his listeners at a public meeting there that the Fianna Fáil Government would guarantee full-time employment in the local worsted mills? When does the Minister propose to implement the guarantee he gave in Portlaoighise on that occasion?
There is no answer.
There is no truth in it.
I was listening to you and the people of Portlaoighise understood it. The Minister is now allowing that mill to fall into rack and ruin.
Order! Question No. 7.