Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 1985

Vol. 362 No. 5

Written Answers. - Plastics Manufacturing Companies.

30.

Mr. Flynn

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will give details of the present status and performance of a plastics manufacturing company, Irish Jurong Limited, the Singapore-based company with which the IDA negotiated the establishment of this plastics company; if the Irish company now operating was a wholly owned subsidiary of a company located in Singapore; the names of the directors of the Irish company at the time of the launching of that company in October 1984; the names of the current directors of the Irish concern; in whose hands the issued share capital rests at this time; if the transfer of the share capital was undertaken with the knowledge of the IDA; if he will give details of the financial transactions that have taken place affecting this concern over the past two years and the grant assistance, if any, which is still outstanding to the concern from State funds.

31.

Mr. Flynn

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that a provisional liquidator has been appointed to Lamipak Private Enterprise Limited; the connection between this concern and another company, Irish Jurong Limited; if he will state that in the event of eventual liquidation of Lamipak Private Enterprise Limited that Irish Jurong Limited will not in any way be affected; if he is satisfied that the decision taken to grant-aid Irish Jurong Limited will release the job potential and marketing capabilities which were announced by him in October 1984; if he is satisfied that the Irish plastics industry has not been seriously undermined by the decision in favour of Irish Jurong Limited and if he will outline the steps taken to protect the indigenous home industry.

Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism (Mr. J. Bruton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.

Irish Jurong Limited commenced the manufacture of polyethylene in Kilcoole, County Wicklow in August last and 120 people are currently employed. The establishment of this company was negotiated by the IDA with Lamipak Industries Private Limited, Singapore, and the Irish company was, until earlier this year, a wholly owned subsidiary of that company. As regards financial transactions affecting the company, I presume the Deputy is referring to the transfer in ownership from Lamipak to the Cua family. The IDA were aware of this transfer. I am aware that a provisional liquidator has been appointed to Lamipak Industries Private Limited and I understand that the Irish company do not consider that they will be affected by this.

The company's jobs and exports targets for 1985 are being met and the indications are that the longer term targets for the company will be realised. Irish Jurong Limited have not been grant assisted to manufacture products for sale on the home market and, accordingly, should not adversely affect the domestic plastics industry.

Information on the directors and share capital of Irish Jurong Limited may be obtained from the Companies Registration Office. It is not normal practice to publish details of grant assistance to individual firms in advance of publication in the IDA's annual report. The relevant data will be provided in the IDA's annual report for 1985.