asked the President whether he has any information to give the Dáil regarding the recent visits to Haulbowline Dockyard by representatives of foreign shipbuilding and other firms, and the statement which appeared in the Press on the 23rd October, 1924, to the effect "that other foreign investors contemplate visiting this dockyard at an early date with a view to acquiring it for industrial purposes, etc.," and whether he will consider at an early date the advisability of further advertising the dockyard in the British and foreign Press.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - HAULBOWLINE DOCKYARD.
Representatives of British and German firms have recently visited Haulbowline Dockyard, and the Government is always ready to give facilities to any visitors who may have a proposal to make for working the yard. I am not at present in a position to say what results, if any, may follow from the visits which have taken place. It is thought that for the present at least sufficient attention has been drawn by advertisement and otherwise to the facilities afforded by the dockyard.
Arising out of that answer, I would like to ask, in the event of any offer being made by a firm outside the Saorstát, will the Government make representations to that firm as to the desirability of employing men living in the neighbourhood who were formerly employed in Haulbowline?
I have no doubt but that would be done as a matter of course, but I could not undertake that we would refuse an offer on such a point.