asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any recent proposals have been made for the reopening of the Dublin Dockyard and the nature of these proposals; whether certain clauses in the agreement for the letting have prevented its opening, and what these clauses are; whether any progress is being made otherwise regarding the development of this dockyard, and, if not, whether he will hold an inquiry into the cause of the inactivity in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reopening of Dublin Dockyard.
Mr. Byrne
I am aware that proposals have recently been made to the Dublin Port and Docks Board for the reopening of the Dublin Dockyard. These negotiations, however, are being carried on directly between the Port and Docks Board and the parties making the proposals, and at the moment I have no authority to intervene in the negotiations. The Port and Docks Board is aware of my desire that no opportunity of having work resumed should be lost. I have no reason to believe that the Port and Docks Board does not share my views, but I shall take an early opportunity of conveying to the Board my desire that negotiations should be pursued energetically to a successful conclusion.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister ask for a copy of the proposed lease which the Port and Docks Board are prepared to give? And will he ascertain whether there are any penal clauses in that lease; I understand there are some very objectionable clauses in it?
I would hesitate to intervene in that way.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister just inspect the proposed lease and see if there are objectionable clauses?
I will consider what the Deputy is asking, but I will not undertake to carry out what he asks.