asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the amount of grants paid to a firm in Clonmel (name supplied).
31.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Firm.
30.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of hardship to its employees and the loss to the town caused by the closure for the third time in recent years of a boot and shoe manufacturing firm in Clonmel (name supplied); whether he can take steps to have production restarted; or whether he can arrange for alternative employment for the displaced workers.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
The total amount of the grants paid to the firm in Clonmel, to which the Deputy refers, was £5,750. I am concerned at the situation which has arisen locally as a result of the closure of this firm. As the firm were operating at a loss they cannot be expected to restart production. At my request, the Industrial Development Authority are doing everything possible to interest industrialists in the establishment of industries in Clonmel.
Would the Minister like to hazard a guess why it happened?
Could the Minister say if any representations have been made recently to this firm by another group?
Has the Deputy cousins working there too?
The IDA have been closely following this matter and any inquiries they would have would be re-directed to this firm fairly constantly.
Would the Minister say if he has requested the IDA to give preference to Clonmel over Athlone or to Athlone over Clonmel?
There is no question of preference and this type of parochialism being introduced is certainly not——
(Interruptions.)
At election time they promise that a factory will be erected in every town.