asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will contact the Weynberg Shoe Company in Milwaukee. USA, regarding their plans for their shoe factory in Dundalk which has ceased production for the last six months and which at one time employed 300 workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dundalk Shoe Factory.
14.
I can tell the Deputy that the IDA have already had detailed discussions with the parent company in the United States about the future of the Irish plant. I understand that the parent company are at present reviewing the market situation before making a decision of the reopening of the factory in Dundalk. At this Stage, I do not think that direct intervention by me would be helpful, but I will keep in close touch with developments through the IDA.
Is the Minister aware that this factory never actually colsed and that administration workers are still employed there? Is he further aware of how dependent Dundalk is on the footwear industry, which is highly labour-intensive? Does he not consider it opportune, in the wake of the success of the Reagan visit, to make very strong overtures to the American company?
I have indicated that the advice which I have would suggest that the direct intervention by me would not necessarily be helpful. However, I am prepared to examine that again, in the light of what the Deputy has said. If, having discussed the matter with the IDA, it is their advice that I should make some contact with the United States company I shall, of course, be prepared to do so. As I have already indicated, I am concerned, on foot of representations made by the Deputy, about the unemployment situation in the Dundalk area in particular.
Is the Minister aware that the Dundalk are has had a long tradition of skill and workmanship in the footwear industry and that 300 jobs have effectively gone by the board? Long-established skill will come to naught——
A question, Deputy, please.
They are not being used to the benefit of the economy generally.
The Deputy must confine himself to a question.
Would the Minister commit himself to the encouragement and reestablishment of these industries in areas where these skills exist?
I have already indicated that I was aware of the situation. I am also well aware of the tradition of show-making in Dundalk.