andMr. S. Walsh asked the Minister for Industry and Energy, in view of pending redundancies in the Semperit tyre factory in Ballyfermot, Dublin, what is the up-to-date position regarding employment in that factory, with a view to allaying the fears of the workers concerned.
Private Notice Questions. - Tyre Factory Redundancies.
Mr. Lenihan
I understand that question has been transferred to the Minister for Labour.
This is more confusion.
There is no confusion on my part. I understand that the Ceann Comhairle——
We move very sharply to questions. It is to the Minister for Labour. Would the Deputy repeat the question, please?
We asked the Minister for Industry and Energy, now the Minister for Labour, in view of pending redundancies in the Semperit tyre factory in Ballyfermot, Dublin, what is the up-to-date position regarding employment in that factory, with a view to allaying the fears of the workers concerned.
Semperit have employed 740 workers and the company propose to reduce this number by approximately 120. The threatened closure has arisen as a result of the rejection by the employees of the work reorganisation element of the company's proposals providing for changed work methods following on the redundancies. The Labour Court has invited both sides to a conciliation conference tomorrow. However, direct discussions between the parties have now resumed in an effort to resolve the problem. The Labour Court invitation still stands if required.
In view of the importance of this operation, which gives substantial employment in a very important part of Dublin city, will the Minister assure us that in the event of difficulties arising in the course of the negotiations he will use every facility and means available to him to ensure that the Labour Court procedures are adopted and used to the full by the parties involved?
I have no difficulty whatever in giving that assurance. Discussions are going on between the parties and, should a difficulty arise from those discussions, then the various institutions under my Department will be used to the full to bring about a reconciliation.
May I take it that production has temporarily ceased at the factory? Can the Minister give any information regarding permanent closure? There are fears among the workers that the factory is about to close permanently.
To my knowledge production is not continuing at present but I am not in a position to indicate the closure of this company. It would be very wrong to give that impression and I hope no Deputy would interfere in a way which might jeopardise the discussions.
There is no suggestion of that. We are merely seeking to elicit the facts and to ensure that the Minister will take every possible measure available to him to ensure that this plant does not close down. It is of vital national importance and gives well-paid employment.
I accept that assurance.