asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has yet received any report or recommendation in regard to the manufacture of nitrogenous manures and the setting up of a nitrogen fixation plant and whether it is proposed to pursue the matter further.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manufacture of Nitrogenous Manures.
Major de Valera
The production of nitrogenous fertiliser and other chemical products from our natural resources is under the most active consideration. I am satisfied that no time has been lost in reaching a decision on the many important issues involved.
Major de Valera
The Parliamentary Secretary will agree with me that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get plant, as time goes on. Pending the result of these considerations which have gone on for more than a year, can he say whether any precautionary steps will be taken to get plant and to ensure that when these considerations come to an end, they will not be stultified by our not being in a position to go ahead, by reason of lack of materials which we could have got during the years which have passed?
The Deputy, I am sure, is aware that the production of nitrogenous fertilisers is only one of the commodities for which a plant of this nature may be used, and it is in order to ascertain the precise requirements that this matter has been under a very detailed consideration. I think it would be wrong to purchase plant merely for the production of nitrogenous fertilisers, without taking into consideration the other aspects of the matter.
Major de Valera
I am glad to hear the Parliamentary Secretary indicate that the question is being considered on the necessarily broad basis, but I am asking will he now, while the time yet remains, take immediate steps to ensure that we are in a position to implement whatever decisions are come to and not prevented from implementing them by reason of a shortage of steel or other plant which we could have got heretofore, or could get in the immediate future.
I do not think it is quite correct to say that we could at any time get the plant, but, until the examination of this matter has been completed, it is not possible to decide the type of plant required, and there is no purpose whatever in buying plant which might afterwards be found unsuitable.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say by whom is consideration being given in this matter?
By technical experts under the Industrial Development Authority.
Has the responsibility of Ceimicí Teóranta in relation to this work been completely ended?
Discussions have taken place between Ceimicí Teóranta and the Industrial Development Authority.
Major de Valera
Is it not true that a complete report from the chemical end was available two years ago, or approximately two years ago?
As I understand it, as report was available on one aspect of the matter.