andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether between now and Ireland's proposed acceptance into the EEC it will be possible for workers declared redundant as a result of regrouping or reorganisation in industry, in agriculture or in CIE to apply for retraining or resettlement grants, or any other facilities or benefits, said to be available to them under the provisions of the Rome Treaty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Redundant Workers.
3.
The Treaty of Rome provides for the establishment of a European Social Fund to which the Member States of the European Economic Community shall contribute and from which they can draw, on specific conditions, a proportion of what they spend on the resettlement and retraining of workers or on the maintenance of their wage levels. It is not clear to what extent expenditure incurred under those heads in advance of our becoming a member of the Community would qualify for recoupment from the European Social Fund. This is a matter on which clarification will be sought in negotiations with the Member States.
Is it not a fact that the Taoiseach has accepted, in regard to the various CIO reports, that regrouping or reorganisation will be needed and that, in relation to some of them—particularly the rayon and cotton industries—in order to make Ireland competitive in Continental markets, it would mean possibly the declaration of at least 30 per cent. of the persons employed as redundant? If we are to be ready by the time we enter the European Economic Community, these people may be declared redundant. Will any action be taken to protect their position or to help them in resettlement?
The Deputy will probably be disappointed to learn that three new mills of that kind are at present under construction, the promoters of which are fully aware of the competition they will have to meet.
The Taoiseach has not answered my question. I asked whether, if these people are declared redundant, they will be eligible for any resettlement grants which are said to be available to them under the Treaty of Rome. Have they any guarantee that these grants will be made available?
The House is aware that a committee is considering a scheme for retraining and resettlement where it may be necessary here. The scheme has not been——
In view of the urgency, which the Taoiseach has emphasised, in relation to all this regrouping and reorganisation, would he not agree that if he could make this point clear to the workers and the trade union movement, in the first instance, without any further delay, he would get much more co-operation, certainly from the workers, who may feel their jobs are jeopardised?
What does the Deputy know about the workers?
The trade union movement are well aware of what is going on and have been extremely cooperative.
Will the Taoiseach confirm, for the information of the public, that the availability of moneys under the two funds created by the Treaty of Rome applies only to member States and not to associate States?
That is correct.