asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what progress has been made towards the erection of the proposed biscuit factory at Ballina, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Erection of Biscuit Factory.
The projected biscuit manufacturing industry to be located at Ballina is being established by private interests, who are responsible for the erection of the factory premises.
Can the Minister state when it is proposed to start work?
I have informed the Deputy that it is being done by a private company, who have no responsibility to me as to the date of starting work.
Except in so far as they have got a large grant from you—have they not?
That does not affect the issue.
Are we to take it there will be no move in the erection of this factory until the opening of the next general election campaign?
I have seen advertisements in the newspapers inviting tenders for the construction of the factory.
On principle, is there not some residual interest in the Minister for Industry and Commerce as to when the factory will be erected—when, in fact, the Minister has recommended a substantial grant of public money in consideration of the factory being erected?
The kernel of the whole scheme of the Undeveloped Areas Act is that there is no continuing responsibility resting with the Minister for Industry and Commerce. After the scheme has been approved and the amount of aid measured, it is like any other private industry and will stand or fall on its own management.
Conceding that, is not there some interest, where a largegrant of public money is given for a certain purpose, to see that that purpose is carried out within some limit of time? It would be a dangerous principle to say that once the Minister gave a grant of money for a purpose, no matter how large the sum, he washes his hands of the whole matter.
There are conditions in the contract—the money is not paid until after the work is done.
It is not paid until after the work is done?
Do I take it the Minister has no longer any interest?
The Deputy may take it that I have a very considerable interest in the success of this industry, but I have no responsibility for its management.