asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the failure of private enterprise to establish suitable industries in the five counties of Connaught and also in Donegal, Clare and Kerry, he is prepared to place the necessary funds at the disposal of the Industrial Development Authority for the purpose of undertaking the work of industrial development in those areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Development.
The Industrial Development Authority has been asked to pay particular attention to the question of industrial development in rural areas, including the counties mentioned by the Deputy. The primary aim is to enlist the co-operation of private enterprise for the purpose of establishing new industries in those areas rather than to set up State financed industries as suggested in the question.
In view of the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary last week, that private enterprise since February, 1948, was accountable only for nine factories and employment to the extent of 150 persons in the Province of Connaught, does he not consider that private enterprise has completely failed with regard to the expansion of industry in the West? Would he not consider it the Government's duty to intervene and take the necessary steps as private enterprise has failed, or is he prepared to leave the young people of the West at the mercy of those who are not prepared to put their money into private enterprise?
As I told the Deputy in reply to another question, steps are being taken to co-ordinate the efforts to provide employment in congested areas. I do not think there are any indications that private enterprise has failed to provide industrial employment in these areas.
Is it not quite plain that, so far, in the West private enterprise has failed?