asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when the plant for manufacturing increased quantities of cement will be installed and whether considerations of (a) price or (b) currency are holding up or limiting the import of cement and whether he can state the date by which cement will be available for works of importance such as farm improvement, minor house repairs, etc.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Supply.
I cannot say when the plant for producing increased quantities of cement will be installed, but I am in communication with Cement Limited on this point. Currency or price considerations are not at present holding up or limiting the importation of cement, although it will be appreciated that both these factors must be taken into account. The present output of the two Irish factories, aided by current importations, is sufficient to provide enough cement for all important works, and special arrangements have been made for the supply of cement to works being carried out under the farm improvements scheme.