North-east industry closures and short-time work
The Parliamentary Secretary said closure and short-time figures were not comprehensive, but the IDA knew of 27 firms that had closed since January 1973. Deputies questioned omissions from the list and sought information on firms being reactivated; he suggested a separate question for that information.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of industries in the north-east regional development area that have closed down since March, 1973; the number of industries in the area with workers on short time; the number of workers involved in each case; the names of the industries in each case; the total of IDA payments to these industries; and his Department's plans for restarting or replacing the industries affected.
Comment on this
There is no obligation on any industrial undertaking which either closes down or introduces short-time working, formally to advise my Department or the Industrial Development Authority of such developments. However, every effort is made by the Department and by the Industrial Development Authority to secure the fullest possible information, but the information available is not necessarily comprehensive.
Subject to the foregoing qualification, I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that they are aware of 27 firms in the north-east region which closed down since 1st January, 1973. The total employment in these firms, which exclude those with a maximum employment of less than ten people, was 1,539, and the total amount of grants paid by the Industrial Development Authority to these firms is £920,000. With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report a list showing the names of the firms in question and the years in which each closed.
As regards short-time working, I take it the question relates to firms which may at present be working short-time. The IDA are not aware of any firms in the region which are at present working short-time, but the qualification made at the outset has to be borne in mind.
As to plans for restarting or replacing the firms which have ceased operations I am informed that the Authority have negotiated replacement projects for ten of the firms referred to; these replacement projects have a full employment potential of 901. In the other cases the Authority are continuing their efforts to secure suitable replacement industries.
Following is the statement:
STATEMENT indicating the names of manufacturing firms which have closed down since January 1973 in the North-East Regional Development Area.
Comment on this
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if the Auro Livers factory in Castleblanyey is on the list?
Comment on this
It is not on the list of the firms which closed down since January last. It would be better if Deputies were to examine the list as circulated with the Official Report and, if they wish to pose individual questions about omissions or inclusions, they can be dealt with specifically.
Comment on this
Would it be possible for the Parliamentary Secretary to read the short list, the list of ten?
Comment on this
He mentioned ten firms with a total potential employment of 901 which were being reactivated.
Comment on this
The information sought by the Deputy is not on the file, but if he would put down a separate question in that regard I shall obtain the information for him.
