asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has taken note of the statement which appeared in a Dublin morning paper issued on 17th May to the effect that Deputy Lemass, when Minister for Industry and Commerce, told Congress of Irish Unions and Trade Union Congress representatives that finance should not be a stumbling block to bringing all workers under Irish trade union control and offered to indemnify workers in British unions to the extent of £2,000,000 against loss on their change-over; whether there exists in the Department any record of the offer cited; what were the exact terms of the offer; whether it had Governmental sanction when made, or received such subsequently, and whether he is prepared to consider renewing the offer or making an amended one with the same purpose in view.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bringing Workers under Irish Trade Union Control.
I have seen the Press statement in question. There is no record in my Department of any offer of the nature referred to by the Deputy.