asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that many of the operatives in the leather factory, Portlaw, County Waterford, have been placed on short time, and if any representations have been made to his Department in the matter, and, if so, with what result.

I am not aware that any of the operatives in the Leather Factory, Portlaw, County Waterford, have been placed on short time, and no representations regarding the matter have been made to my Department. The last part of the Deputy's question does not therefore arise.

In actual fact, the operatives are working only half time, and they, and the local people, are becoming seriously alarmed by the recent developments in the factory. Would the Minister mind making further inquiries into the case?