Vol. 502 No. 3
101 Mr. Bell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the communications, if any, her Department has had regarding a company (details supplied) in Drogheda, County Louth, in relation to its announced intention to engage on a three day working week; the communication, if any, made with the parent company in the United States; if she has had an indication of the future plans of the company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7602/99]
The company announced its intention to go on a three day working week from 17 March 1999 until the end of April to reduce its inventory level. The reason for this change is a result of a continual decline over the past four years of Bissell Ireland sales with its core product, carpet sweepers, down by approximately 40 per cent over this period. The company has experienced difficulties in its role as a line production unit with no design, research and development or marketing function. Continuous attempts. in conjunction with IDA and the linkage programme, to secure additional business have proved unsuccessful.
The IDA will continue with efforts to secure additional work for the company and met with the parent company on 15 March 1999. The parent company is now actively seeking new contracts for the Irish operation and is liaising with IDA on various initiatives. New products developed in the US and sold in Europe will, however, continue to be sourced in lower cost locations in Asia. Accordingly future prospects for the company are uncertain.
