On 6 December last this House had a short debate on the future of Irish Steel. I raised the matter then because I was deeply concerned about the deferral of deadlines in this takeover. At that time other Members, including Deputy Toddy O'Sullivan, Deputy Allen and Deputy Dennehy, also expressed their fears regarding the future of the country's only steel plant.
We were told by the Minister of State that the plan presented by the Cork consortium needed to be examined even though the outline of the plan had been presented to the Government before the end of 1988. The full business plan was presented in September 1989. While there is an acceptance that any plan of this nature has to be carefully scrutinised and closely examined we are now informed that it will take another three months or more before a decision is made. That is completely unacceptable to me and — I am sure — to the workers and their dependants.
While the background to the problem is relatively straightforward the public perception is that there is serious disagreement within the Cabinet about this whole issue, so much so that it is now reported that the Taoiseach has directly intervened to sort out differences which have arisen between some of his Ministers. The workers and management in Irish Steel have shown, by their efforts over the last number of years, that they are determined, with dedication and willingness, to co-operate with any reasonable and constructive takeover proposal or international sharing arrangement.
Trade union officials and shop stewards have shown great restraint and responsibility in dealing with this very sensitive and important issue which has economic implications, not alone for the city of Cork and county, but for the whole county. We are all aware that substantial taxpayers' money has been invested in this plant but, more importantly, there are 600 jobs directly involved and another 500 downstream jobs which also depend on this plant. These jobs are vital in the greater Cork area, an area which has already been devastated by unemployment.
Irish Steel, by international standards, may be a small plant but for those workers, their families and the surrounding area — including Cork city — it is a major industry with thousands depending directly or indirectly on its future survival. Is it too much to ask that their future should not become a political football between two Ministers from different parties in a Coalition Government? There is now great urgency to clarify the Government's position in view of the reported statement by Dr. Korf who has indicated that any agreement he had with the Government has now been terminated. I have not heard a denial from a Government spokesperson that this is not so. The deafening silence has created its own fears among many people in that area.
If there are other interested parties involved in negotiations regarding the takeover of Irish Steel there is an obligation on the Government and on these other parties — whoever they may be — to make sure that the same co-operation and openness which was displayed by the Cork consortium will be continued. This, of course, will include the protection of existing jobs and a substantial investment of capital.
There must be a clearcut statement from the Government so that the workforce can be fully informed and any doubts about the plant's future dispelled. Maybe it is time for the politicians to step aside and to let the IDA — or some other Government agency — to take over any outstanding negotiations. It is vital that the public and the workforce and all those depending on the plant should have a clear idea of what is happening. The urgency of this debate is confirmed by the Government's sell off today of Irish Life.
It now appears that the Coalition Government have embarked on a policy of selling off State assets but a Government which embarks on such a policy without protecting the jobs and the taxpayers' money and without full information on the implications for the workforce do so at their peril. It is time for the Government to come clean on Irish Steel and to allay the fears of their loyal workforce. It is time to give hope to their families and to the community who, as I have said, depend so much on Irish Steel not alone for their livelihood but for their very existence.
