Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 1933

Vol. 46 No. 2

Supplementary and Additional Estimates. - Vote 54—Lands and Fisheries.

Minister for Finance (Mr. MacEntee)

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim bhreise ná raghaidh thar £8,000 chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31 adh lá de Mhárta, 1933, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí Oifig an Aire Tailte agus Iascaigh agus Seirbhísí áirithe atá fé riaradh na hOifige sin, maraon le Deontaisí i dtaobh Tógála Tithe agus Ildeontaisí-i-gCabhair.

That a supplementary sum not exceeding £8,000 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1933, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Office of the Minister for Lands and Fisheries, and of certain Services administered by that Office, including Grants in connection with Housing and sundry Grants-in-Aid.

This is also a Supplementary Estimate which was passed by the last Dáil and which we have to reintroduce in the present session. It relates to additional provision which must be made for the Sea Fisheries Association.

Mr. Eamonn O'Neill

Is there any information forthcoming in regard to the operations of the Sea Fisheries Association? The report of their operations for the last six months has not been circulated.

Mr. MacEntee

It is not usual to circulate the report of their operations in so short a period as six months. They have an annual meeting and a report will be furnished to the Minister for Lands and Fisheries. I am sure any Deputies who wish to see the report will have an opportunity of doing so if they apply to the Minister or put down a question in the Dáil.

Mr. O'Neill

The trouble is that when questions are put to the Minister for Lands and Fisheries we are told that it is really a matter for the Sea Fisheries Association, but there is no way of getting a question direct to the Sea Fisheries Association.

Mr. Dillon

It is usual for the Minister for Lands and Fisheries to be present in this House on an occasion of this kind, but as Senator Connolly is absent in America we must excuse his absence. On three separate occasions, I think, I asked the Minister what was delaying the opening of the factory in Crolly. The opening of that factory would provide employment, which is very necessary in this exceedingly impoverished area. On each of these three separate occasions the Minister answered that the factory would be opened immediately. On the last occasion I asked the Minister what he meant by "immediately," and he said there was only one meaning; but the factory is not yet open. I asked the first question six months ago. I ask the Minister's attention to this and I invite him to communicate with the Department of Lands and Fisheries and ask them why this matter has not received attention. I do not think it is necessary for me to point out the condition of things obtaining in that part of Donegal. They are as difficult there as they can be. The supplies that this factory could make available are wanting; there is a market for them in the Saorstát but they are not to be had. I consider it is a grave reflection on the Department that the Crolly factory should be idle and especially when there is so much need for employment.

Mr. MacEntee

I shall bring what the Deputy said to the notice of the Department, but I do not think it is a matter that can properly be discussed on a Supplementary Estimate.

Mr. Dillon

I would like the ruling of the Chair upon the matter. Surely any matter of administration is a proper one to raise on the Estimates.

An Ceann Comhairle

On the main Vote, yes, but not on the Supplementary Vote. The discussion on a Supplementary Vote is confined to the purpose of the Vote. On the main Vote Deputies may raise any matter connected with the Department.

Mr. Dillon

I think the Minister said this was connected with certain services which the Department had in charge. Is not that in connection with the Vote?

An Ceann Comhairle

This Vote is for the Sea Fisheries Association.

Mr. McGilligan

And it brings in other sub-heads. Can we not discuss the matters in the sub-heads?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is entitled to do that.

Mr. McGilligan

What is the sub-head on which savings have been made?

Mr. Dillon

Is it on the Crolly factory?

Mr. MacEntee

I do not know. I have no information before me.

Mr. McGilligan

Can we not postpone this Estimate then?

Mr. MacEntee

I think it would be ridiculous to postpone it. This Estimate was introduced and passed in the last Dáil.

Mr. McGilligan

And the same questions were not answered.

Mr. MacEntee

They were not raised on the Supplementary Estimate.

Question put and agreed to.