asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the receiver has now closed a factory (name supplied); and if, in view of the hardship being caused to so many dismissed employees and the urgent need for industries in the town, he will give this matter his urgent attention with the hope of having this factory re-opened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closure of Factory.
46.
I had been keeping in touch with the problems of this factory and I know that it has now closed down. As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, unsuccessful efforts were made since the firm went into receivership, to find a suitable purchaser who would take over the mill as a going concern.
The Deputy will be aware of my views in the matter arising from the discussion I had this morning with a deputation of workers, which he and Deputy Brosnan attended and which was arranged by the Minister for Defence.
Might I just say that in the question as I wrote it the town of Fermoy was mentioned? For some reason it does not appear in the question here. This applies to the town of Fermoy also. For the umpteenth time I tell the Minister once again that male industrial employment is badly needed in the town of Fermoy and will he and his Department give the matter serious consideration?
As I have already said, the Deputy will be fully aware of my views in this regard. I make no bones about saying that there is no doubt but that there is full acceptance of the fact that there is need for further male industrial employment in Fermoy. I should point out that it was not I who was responsible for the removal of the town from the question.
I appreciate the Minister's assurance and his interest and I want to put on record our appreciation of his giving us an hour and a half of his time today.