asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what is the present position with regard to the Athlone cotton factory; if there have been any recent changes of plan or of personnel in this connection; and, if so, the reason for such changes; and if he will further state when it is expected that the production will begin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Cotton Factory.
I am informed that the building of the new Athlone cotton factory is now completed, and at the moment the installation of the machinery is taking place. A few looms are at present working for the training of the local workers. Production proper will begin as soon as the machinery has been installed and the necessary workers have been trained. I am not aware of any changes of plan or of management personnel.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in view of the fact that he has granted what is virtually a monopoly in the production of this class of goods to the firm operating in Athlone, is he in a position to give this House any information as to the financial and mercantile credentials of the foreign firm which is interested in the Athlone textile factory?
That is a separate question, but I may say that the firm has been given no special concession, amounting to a monopoly, by me.
It may be given a prohibitive tariff in a market which is very restricted and which will operate as a monopoly. Has the Minister any information at his disposal as to the mercantile and financial standing of the foreign firm interested in this enterprise?
I do not wish to initiate a discussion on the matter, but it is open to any firm to engage in this industry, and, in fact, there are other firms engaged in it at the present time.
That is not strictly true. The Greenmount and Boyne Linen Company, Ltd., is making flannelettes, but practically nothing else.