Vol. 481 No. 6
103 Mr. Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she has taken to advance the prospects of a replacement industry for Tullamore, County Offaly, in view of the loss of over 100 jobs following the closure of the Atlantic Mills Plant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16761/97]
The promotion of job creation in particular areas of the country is a matter for the day to day administration of the industrial development agencies under the aegis of my Department and one in which I have no direct function. However, following the announcement by Atlantic Mills to close its Tullamore operation, I initiated the establishment of a representative inter-agency group to; provide an immediate skills assessment and suitable training opportunities for the redundant workers; provide all the necessary information and assistance to any former employees who may wish to establish their own enterprise; brief local authorities, Chamber of Commerce and SIPTU of progress and to secure an alternative industry to locate in the former Atlantic Mills facility.
This group has held two meeting to date and is progressing initiatives as outlined above. In addition, a promotional brochure funded by Atlantic Mills is currently being produced to assist with marketing the facility.
104 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in the west Cavan and south Leitrim areas in relation to the job losses at Ballinamore Textiles Limited, Ballinamore, County Leitrim; the discussions, if any, she has had with the Industrial Development Agency or the parent company in relation to the protection of employment at this plant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16783/97]
105 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concern in County Leitrim in relation to the job losses at Ballinamore Textiles Limited; the action, if any, being taken by her Department or the Industrial Development Agency to protect employment at this factory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16784/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.
While no redundancies are proposed at present, I am naturally concerned that Ballinamore Textiles Limited is experiencing difficulties in filling its order book, which it attributes to the intense competition from low cost countries. The downturn in sales has forced the company to temporarily lay off a number of employees with effect from 17 October 1997. In discussing the current situation with the unions, I understand that Ballinamore Textiles, while expressing an optimistic note for its future viability, cautioned of the risk of redundancies if business does not improve.
I am aware that the company is currently pursuing new sales opportunities in both Ireland the UK. In this regard, I have asked IDA Ireland to do everything possible within its remit to assist the company. In addition, Ballinamore Textiles is also in close contact with IBEC regarding the possibility of obtaining new sales outlets.
The current situation at Ballinamore is very fluid. If new customers are found, it may enable the company to minimise the duration of the layoff period. The company has given a commitment to the unions to keep the employees fully briefed on developments over the coming weeks.
106 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action, if any, being taken to protect employment at Woco Limited, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16785/97]
I am aware that the company has put forward proposals to the workforce in order to improve the competitiveness of the plant, which manufactures moulded rubber components for the European automotive industry. These proposals have been the subject of negotiations between the company and the representatives of the workforce. The parties have also availed of the services of the dispute settlement agencies in their efforts to resolve their differences. Regrettably, to date, they have not been able to agree the implementation terms associated with the required flexible work practice changes. The company has decided to undertake an assessment of the future viability of the plant, and such assessment is expected to be concluded by mid-December. It is therefore critical that the parties resolve their outstanding difficulties concerning flexible work practices at the earliest possible opportunity. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that both parties have agreed to attend a Labour Court hearing on 30 October.
I am concerned that if the competitiveness of the plant is not improved in the short term, its future viability may be in doubt, which would not be in the interest of the company, its workforce or the local community. I therefore urge the parties to approach the forthcoming Labour Court hearing in a spirit of co-operation and a willingness to address the concerns of the other party.
