asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the grave hardship that has been caused to a garage owner in Slieverue, County Kilkenny, due to the withholding of petrol supplies to him; whether he has any information in regard to this matter and whether he will take immediate action to redress this wrong.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slieverue Garage (Kilkenny).
I am aware of the difficulties which were encountered by the garage owner to whom the Deputy refers. I took the matter up with the oil company concerned and I was informed last week that they are now prepared to proceed with the installation of the equipment and the provision of petrol supplies.
May I take it the position was rectified due to a request made by the Minister?
I prefer to think it was due to the fact that the company saw the unwisdom of the policy they were pursuing.
Is the Minister aware that a similar position exists at Kilkenny in the case of Phil Tracy, a mechanic, who put all his money in his business and was refused facilities by the oil company? Will the Minister investigate that, as he did in the case of Slieverue?
I will investigate anything.