andMr. G. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that redundancies are threatened at a factory (name supplied) at Midleton, County Cork; and if he will take immediate steps to preserve the employment threatened.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Midleton Redundancies.
25.
I am aware of the threatened redundancies referred to, which are being caused by the proposed transfer of operations from Midleton to Whitegate. I understand that it is proposed that the redundancies will be on a voluntary basis and that negotiations are in progress between the company and trade union as to compensation terms for the workers involved.
I am in touch with the Minister for Industry and Commerce to see what can be done to provide alternative employment in Midleton. The National Manpower Service will assist in finding jobs for the workers who opt for redundancy.
What will be the outcome if there is not agreement on voluntary redundancy? May I inform the Minister that there is no such agreement? Has the Minister got the age groups of the people referred to and has he investigated the specific reasons behind the necessity for these redundancies?
My information is that the plant in Whitegate employs 40 to 50 people and that at Midleton employs 80. The Midleton plant is old and the company want to close it down and to transfer the operation to Whitegate, which is more modern. I understand that discussions have been taking place under a chairman for some time and that a proposal was put to the men, which they rejected on 14th May last. It is not the end of the road. Discussions are continuing and I suggest it would be a pity if we said anything here which might make the matter more difficult.
It is typical of the Government's lack of action not to show concern in matters such as this. As I have said, no agreement has been reached. Would the Minister tell me the age of the old plant in Midleton and what outlets there are in the area for the re-employment of the redundant workers?
The Deputy appears to be acting on a report which appeared in the Cork Examiner which stated that more than 20 would lose jobs. To expect that the two questions he has asked should be answered off the cuff is asking too much.
I have called the Minister's bluff.
The Deputy should not be using the word "bluff". As he and I know, he is perhaps a better exponent of the art than I am. He is used to using bluff himself but he should not attribute it to somebody else. I suggest the Deputy should do two things. First of all, he should talk to some of the people concerned and find out whether his interference will help or hinder. Having done that, if he wants further information he should put down a question next week.
Is the Minister saying that as a responsible person I should not intervene in this situation? Is he aware that I am not relying on the Examiner or any other report for the information I have given? Will he agree that the entire number is 24 and that 12 of them have accepted and that 12 will not accept?
As far as Deputy Fitzgerald himself is concerned, I would not like to call him irresponsible, but as far as his party are concerned I would not like to start looking up the record of interference in trade disputes—they might be good or they might be bad. Obviously Deputy Fitzgerald has been interfering in this. If he thinks he can help, he is perfectly entitled to do so, but I suggest that the trade unions representing the men, and the management can settle this between themselves without interference—I am glad to use the word—from somebody else.
The Minister is talking about a trade dispute and I am talking about redundant workers.
I have given the Deputy a lot of latitude on this. There must be some finality.
It was the Minister who used the word "interference" first. The record will show it.
I am not in the habit of altering the record, as some of the Deputies over there are, if they get the chance.