asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce (a) whether any plant or installations are at present available in this country capable of producing in the required quantities the chemicals required for water purification and the protection of water supplies such as chlorine, hypochlorite and alums; (b) if he will give particulars of such installations as are so available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Purification.
Major de Valera
So far as I am aware there is at present no plant in this country capable of producing the chemicals in question.
Major de Valera
The Minister will appreciate the importance of such an installation in certain circumstances if supplies failed. Will the Minister's Department give some attention to the provision of plant which could supply that demand—chlorine and other water purifiers? I take it that the Minister appreciates the importance of these substances. Will he take steps to ensure that we can go into the production of such substances at short notice?
Yes. I am as anxious as the Deputy is on that point.