asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any representations have been made to his Department with reference to the suitability of Valentia Island and Harbour, County Kerry, as an air base for transatlantic flights and, if so, (1) whether he has had any investigations made locally on behalf of the Government of Saorstát Eireann on this matter, or (2) whether he has brought the suitability of Valentia Island and Harbour as an air base to the notice of the experts from the British Air Ministry who are reported as having been examining the western coast of Ireland for the purpose of selecting a suitable site for a transatlantic air base.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transatlantic Air Base.
Mr. Lynch
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, the Deputy may rest assured that the representations made to my Department will receive due consideration.
Mr. Lynch
I do not think the Minister has answered that part of the question which asked whether he has had any investigation made locally, on behalf of the Government, or whether he has brought to the notice of the experts from the British Air Ministry the suitability of Valentia Island as a suitable site for a transatlantic air base.
Yes, the Deputy may be assured that all due consideration will be given to representations made from Valentia area.
Mr. Lynch
And that they will be transferred to any persons making the investigations?
I am not inclined to say more at the moment than what I have said.
The Minister has a delicacy about admitting that he is negotiating with the British Air Force on the matter.
The Deputy, as usual, is misinformed.