asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Cement Limited announced that it proposes to close its factory at Boyne Road, Drogheda, County Louth with a resulting loss of 400 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Factory Closure.
32.
I am aware of the announcement by Cement Ltd. of the proposed closedown of their Drogheda plant. While I am concerned at the loss of jobs which the decision entails I am not in a position to add to the company's statement at this stage. I am, however, advised by the Industrial Development Authority that industrial proposals recently approved and under consideration for the Drogheda area offer prospects of very substantial male employment. I intend to keep the position under review.
I am aware that an industry is coming to Drogheda due to our entry into the EEC. However, I would ask the Minister if he is giving an undertaking that all of the men who lose their jobs in the factory at Boyne Road will be given suitable alternative employment in the new industry?
I understand there would be sufficient male employment in the Drogheda area to employ more than those who are losing their jobs.
I want to know if the men who lose their jobs in Cement Ltd. will be employed in the new industry?
They will be employed in a number of new industries.
The Minister is giving that undertaking?
Yes, if the negotiations between the IDA and the prospective industrialists are successful.
I take it the Minister is giving that undertaking?
I will allow Deputy Faulkner to ask a final supplementary question.
Can the Minister state when he was informed by Cement Ltd. of the proposal to close the factory at Boyne Road?
I am not sure. I have not got that information.
I would ask the Minister——
I have given the Deputy considerable latitude. I would ask him to allow Questions to proceed.
I accept that the Chair has given me a lot of latitude but I am not getting answers to my questions.
That is not the responsibility of the Chair.
May I take it the Minister was informed by Cement Ltd of their proposal to close the cement factory at Boyne Road?
The Deputy cannot take it from me that the Minister for Industry and Commerce was informed. I just do not know.