asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of companies, with estimated total capital, so far established in Gaeltacht areas under the Undeveloped Areas Act.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Undeveloped Areas Act.
I think it would be undesirable to ask An Foras Tionscal to supply detailed particulars of its operations in advance of the submission to the Oireachtas of the annual report required under the Undeveloped Areas Act. I may say, however, that a number of industrial projects are under consideration of which some have already been approved for the grant of assistance in accordance with the provisions of the Act. It is not possible to say, however, when these projects may reach the production stage.
Are we to take it that a parliamentary question such as has been tabled by Deputy Dr. Browne will not be replied to and that the only information the House can rely on is the annual report?
The Deputy is no doubt aware that under the Act the Minister has no function or responsibility.
I am aware of that, but when the Act was going through the House I, for one, was left under the impression that the Minister would in the course of replying to questions give details of the board's operations.
Certainly you were not left under that impression by anything I said. I do not interfere with the operations of the board, and I have no means of getting information except from the annual report.
The Deputy's question does not ask you to interfere with the board. It is asking for details of the work of the board. Surely the House that supplies money to the board is entitled to get that information?
The matter was discussed fully. I think it was the general view of the House to set up this board with powers completely independent of the Minister. If it is desired to give the Minister responsibility then he should have power to interfere.
Oh, no. The board has no more immunity than the Irish Land Commission. The procedure over a number of years is that the Minister for Lands gives details of the working of the Irish Land Commission. The Minister is responsible for giving the House information such as is asked for in this question.
Question 18.
Is the precedent going to be established now that no Deputy can get information as to the board's working? I do not want to let the occasion pass until we clear up this point.
I do not want to establish any precedent. I think that, particularly in the first year of its operation, the House should await the publication of the annual report.
In the first year?
Particularly in the first year.
After the issue of the report in respect of the first year, may I take it that parliamentary questions seeking information as regards the working of the board will be replied to?
I should not like to say that. This is not like the operation of the Irish Land Commission. Its decisions affect the affairs of private business concerns who would be prejudiced in their success if any political controversy were to arise.
Surely we are providing public funds in this connection?
A free gift of £42,000.
Yes. We want to know what the board is doing from day to day.
Question 18.