asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that he met a deputation from Mountmellick, in 1939, with reference to the closing of the local maltings by Messrs. Guinness which resulted in great unemployment in the town, and that he promised those representing the townspeople that he would give special consideration to the town's claim for an industry, he will now state if he still has the matter in mind with a view to the implementing of his promise, and what are the prospects of some action in the near future.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Employment in Mountmellick.
The starting of an industry in a particular locality is primarily a matter for private enterprise and initiative, and the final location of any particular industry is decided by the promoters. I am aware of the desire of the townspeople of Mountmellick to have an industry established there, and as opportunity has arisen my Department has endeavoured to interest promoters of new industries in the facilities available at Mountmellick. In present circumstances, when plant and equipment are almost entirely unobtainable, the prospects of any immediate development are slight.