asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he granted any concessions, facilities or inducements to the promoters responsible for the establishment of a new cloth factory in Ballina, and, if so, what was their nature; whether he can state the nationality and country of origin of the promoters of this concern; whether before authorising the establishment of the mill in question, he caused an inquiry to be held into the closing down of the woollen mill at Sallybrook, County Cork, and, if so, what was the result of the inquiry; and whether, if no inquiry was made, he will take steps to institute one.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo and Cork Factories.
The proposed new plant at Ballina will engage in the manufacture of types of cloths not at present made in this country and known in the trade as shoddy. At present all the cloths of this type required by clothing manufacturers are imported and the Ballina plant, it is hoped, will gradually supply the market in respect of these cheaper types of cloth. No special concession or inducements other than the facilities normally given to new industries are being granted to the promoters in this case. The promoters, who are of Czechoslovak nationality, are associated with certain Irish nationals in the creation of a new Irish company to carry on this business. I am fully acquainted with the circumstances of the closing down of the mill at Sallybrook, which was a small blanket mill employing under 50 workers. The Ballina plant will employ ultimately more than 500 workers, so that the Deputy's suggestion in respect of Sallybrook seems impracticable. In any event, the promoters decided on Ballina as a site for the new industry.
Arising out of the reply, is it a fact that the Galway woollen mill was making material similar to that manufactured at Ballina?
That is correct.
Is it a fact that when the Ballina factory was opened that that very factory in Galway was compulsorily closed down?
I do not know what Deputy Hurley means by "compulsorily closed down." The firm ceased manufacturing and went out of business.
Was that because they could not carry on?
Is it the intention of the Government to make this manufacture of shoddy types of cloth a reserved commodity?
No.
If not why did the Minister refuse or turn down the proposal to manufacture this type of material in the town of Clones?
Has the Deputy seen the proposal?
Did the Minister turn down the proposal from Clones on its merits?
I did not get an opportunity.
Was there a proposal submitted to the Minister to establish a factory in Clones?
No detailed scheme was submitted to me in regard to Clones. There had been talk by a number of Senators to produce this commodity for a number of years, but I am not aware in the case of Clones that we got anything like a detailed scheme submitted.
My information is that such a scheme was submitted and that it was turned down by the Minister's Department.
I have looked very fully into it and I find that no such scheme from Clones has been submitted.
I would be obliged if the Minister would have the matter further inquired into and let us hear from him as quickly as possible.