asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the crisis in the employment situation in Waterford city; and if he will state what action will be taken by State agencies in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford City Employment Situation.
102.
I am aware of the employment situation in Waterford city. I would like to say, however, that the estimated number of new jobs to be created by the expansion of existing industry and by new industry in the city by the end of 1972 exceeds the current level of redundancy. The Deputy can be assured that the IDA, in collaboration with other appropriate State agencies, is maintaining its efforts to attract additional new industries to the area.
Is the Minister aware that 500 people are, or are about to be out of a job in Waterford and that this is a very serious crisis for the city? I do not know what will be done, but I know that nothing much has been done to alleviate the situation. Certainly, in the next few months there will be considerable unemployment in the city. Why has the Minister or the IDA not foreseen this situation and brought in the necessary new employment which he talks about and promises?
One does not just bring in new employment unless one can get the potential industries lined up. It is not as easy as that. The IDA are conscious of the situation in Waterford, and I indicated in my reply that they expect to have new industry and new jobs in Waterford by the end of this year sufficient to compensate for all the redundancy that has taken place.
Can the Minister say why the new industries have not been announced?
One cannot announce them until one can stand over the announcement.
If the Minister cannot stand over them now, there is no reason to believe that he will be able to do so in nine months time. There is a serious crisis in Waterford city in respect of employment.
Could the Minister advise the IDA to be more generous in their grant offers? This could make all the difference, even if it were only for a short time.