asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether an application for a loan to be used towards the development of the lobster industry has been received from the Goleen (Co. Cork) Lobster Co., and if he will state whether the loan will be advanced at an early date.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - THE LOBSTER INDUSTRY.
I have received an application in this case but as I have already informed the interested parties, I have not yet been given sufficient particulars to enable me to determine whether it is one which I have any power to entertain. If the application is intended to be for a loan I have no power to grant a loan. If it is for a guarantee of a loan under the Trade Loan Guarantee Acts, the parties have been notified of the additional information I require before the application can be submitted, in accordance with these Acts, for examination in the first instance by the Advisory Committee.
It appears that those responsible for the application do not clearly understand what my powers are in this matter. I have explained the position fully to them, and will be glad to furnish the Deputy with a copy of the Department's letter if he is interested.