asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is satisfied that a merger in County Offaly (details supplied) will be in the best interests of the industry and if he will ensure that the present level of employment is maintained.

I am satisfied that the merger is in the best interests of the industry and I am assured that employment will be maintained at the highest level consistent with economic operation on which the survival of the enterprise depends.

It is an amalgamation between GWI of Sligo and Cappincur Joinery Works, Tullamore. Is the Minister satisfied that the employment in Cappincur will continue at its present high level because a recent statement by an executive of the company did not say so?

The Deputy will be aware that there have been severe difficulties in both companies in recent years and that a great deal of public and other aid has been given to them. I am sure he shares with me the wish that the enterprises will be operated in a way that is economic. If that entails a small number of redundancies it is the condition of quaranteeing the safety of the jobs of the vast majority of the workers. It seems to me that economic operation is essential in the long term.

The Minister has said that a small number of jobs may be affected. Does he have any idea of the number? There has been some talk of 100 jobs being involved.

I have absolutely no information of numbers of that kind and as far as I am aware no firm proposals regarding redundancies have been put forward at present. It is a matter for the management. I am extremely concerned that the future of both enterprises be guaranteed by efficient operation. The Deputy will know that large amounts of public moneys were made available and it is essential on the basis of efficiency that they continue in operation and continue employing the vast majority of the work force. I do not possess any more details.

Tullamore is a depressed area and it depends considerably on Cappincur for the employment of male labour. Will the Minister ensure that there will be as few redundancies as possible?

I would be very happy if there were no redundancies in Tullamore. I can assure the Deputy that the very high level of care that has been given by all the State agencies to ensure the survival of both firms will be continued with the least possible damage to the work force.

I am calling Question No. 20.

I wish to ask a question on this matter.

I was hoping to proceed to the next question. However, the Deputy may put a brief supplementary.