asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the reason there was no consultation by him with the trade unions concerned prior to his announcement of the Government's decision to close Ardmore Studios.

The current and prospective financial position of the National Film Studios of Ireland Limited was such that there was no reasonable prospect of the company becoming viable. This view was shared by the board of the company. The first priority, as I saw it, was to prevent further losses by closure and liquidation as a matter of urgency, and in the interest of protecting employment in the area, to make every effort to establish there a self-sustaining industry. I might add that if I had not taken this action, enforced closure by the company's creditors was inevitable within a matter of weeks. In these circumstances it appeared clear to me that prior consultation with the trade unions would not achieve a viable alternative to the conclusions which I had reached.

When it became apparent to the Minister and the Government that this undertaking was no longer viable, why were the trade unions not brought in and given this information prior to the announcement being made by the Minister?

The situation was such that it was a matter of urgency and action had to be taken. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that this situation did not arise overnight. The financial position of the film studios was apparent to my predecessor for some time. There was also discussion at board level about it and I am sure the financial position was not a surprise to anyone.

I acknowledge what the Minister says. Surely the Minister will agree that the common courtesy which workers in any undertaking are entitled to, particularly where there is major State investment or prospect of the State bearing further losses, is that the trade unions concerned should be told directly rather than after the event even if the news is irrevocable and of a black kind?

Immediately the liquidator was appointed he had a meeting with the workers about the future of the film studios. My priority and that of the liquidator is to attempt to sell the studios as a going concern and protect employment. The workers are well aware of our efforts along those lines.

In view of the Minister's comment that this situation did not arise overnight, why did he feel it necessary to make the announcement at 6 o'clock on a Saturday evening, two days after the Dáil rose for a month's recess?

I do not see the relevance of when the announcement was made. The Deputy appears to be objecting to the Minister working on a Saturday. I found it necessary.

That is not convincing.

Does the Minister not agree that the workers in this industry should have been made aware of a decision on closure prior to its being announced publicly?

I am taking the best line in the interests of the workers and everyone employed in the National Film Studios at Bray. I am trying to maintain sustainable employment there. I am being asked why I had no discussions with them. A similar request was refused by my predecessor, why I do not know.

Surely the Minister must agree——

Deputy FitzGerald.

Has it not been the view of this and other Governments that employers should be encouraged to give advance notice to workers in cases like this? In what way does the Minister assert that it was in the interests of the workers not to have given them notice?

The interests of the workers are being taken into account by the liquidator and by me in an attempt to have the National Film Studios at Bray restructured and to have sustainable employment maintained. That should be the priority of every member of this House, and I believe it is.

The Minister has not answered my question about prior notification being regarded as desirable.

The National Film Studios at Bray have not closed yet. The workers are still working.

There was no consultation with the workers.

The studios would have been closed by the creditors a week or two after I took office. There have been discussions and meetings with the workers and the liquidator since I took office. The interests of the workers are uppermost in my mind.

Question No. 23.

I want to ask a supplementary question.

I have now gone on to Question No. 23. The Deputy can ask supplementaries on this question.

I want to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 22.

I allowed the Deputy a supplementary question.

I put down six questions on this matter which were disallowed by the Ceann Comhairle on the grounds that the matter was covered in an Adjournment Debate on 28 April. Deputy Desmond put down a question which was similar to my six questions and his was allowed. Therefore I have a right to ask supplementary questions.

The Deputy cannot question that decision now. She is at liberty to check with me and I will show her the file. I am now on Question No. 23.

23.