asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the distress existing at Passage West, County Cork, owing to the unemployment prevalent in the town for a number of years, and whether he will indicate what proposals for the starting of industries in the town have come before his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - East Cork Unemployment.
For a considerable time past I have been taking active steps to assist in the promotion of any scheme which would give employment in the Passage West area. One proposal which was the subject of negotiation with my Department over a long period and which I had hoped would be in this area did not materialise mainly, if not altogether, on technical grounds. The establishment of a steel rolling mill is being carried out with my approval and assistance at Haulbowline, and this industry is the beginning at least of new employment in the area. The establishment of an industry is, in the first place, a matter for private enterprise, but I am prepared, if any such proposal is submitted to me, to give every help within the limits of my power.