asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in respect of the Industrial Development Authority (a) the names of the present members, (b) the total expenditure chargeable against the authority in each of the years since it was established, (c) the number ofmajor projects at present receiving consideration or study by the authority, and (d) whether he will consider publishing an annual report giving information in some detail of the activities of the authority.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Development Authority.
(a) The names of the present members of the Industrial Development Authority are Dr. J.P. Beddy, Chairman, Mr. L. Duffy and Mr. J.A. Cassidy; (b) the total expenditure chargeable against the authority in each of the years since it was established was: 1949-50, £45,304; 1950-51, £56,746; 1951-52, £32,872; 1952-53, £11,666. In the year 1949-50 the amount chargeable directly against the authority was limited to the remuneration and personal travelling and incidental expenses of the chairman and other members of the authority (£8,000). The salaries and other expenses of administration (£37,304) were covered by provisions included in other sub-heads of the Estimate. In subsequent years the total expenditure was charged directly against the authority; (c) some 40 projects of varying importance are being studied by the authority; (d) the nature of the present activities of the authority is such that the publication of an annual report of the nature suggested would not be practicable or advisable.
Would the Minister say whether the personnel of the authority is now regarded as complete or are there vacancies?
The personnel of the authority may change from time to time.
Is the Minister of the opinion that three is the normal complement? Does he propose to make any additions?
I prefer to have notice of that question.
Is it the Minister's intention ever to have a report published of the activities of this body at any period?
No.
It will function in vacuo.
Yes. As I explained to the Dáil, the purpose of the body now is to promote through private enterprise proposals for the establishment and the manufacture of specific commodities. The work, therefore, clearly involves discussion with private interests concerning which it would be undesirable to publish particulars.