asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the substantial number of redundancies and lay-offs in the motor trade industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Motor Trade Industry.
18.
From the information available to my Department there have been 677 redundancies notified under the Redundancy Payments Acts in the vehicle sector in the first nine months of 1982. This compares with notifications in 1981 and 1980 of 939 and 708 respectively.
The Government are aware of the various difficulties facing the motor trade industry at this time. The difficulties are, of course, attributable to a complex range of factors. It is to be expected that the proposals for improving the economy contained in the national economic plan, The Way Forward, will lead to increased activity and better employment in the industry.
In so far as my areas of responsibility in relation to the motor trade industry are concerned, I would point out that AnCo are keeping the apprenticeship situation under continuous review and have 63 redundant apprentices in their training centres or on special educational courses. It is AnCO's policy to endeavour to secure that redundant or unemployed motor apprentices are enabled to continue or maintain their apprenticeships.