asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, when experiments on the extraction of glucose from potatoes are completed, he will assist in establishing a glucose factory in East Donegal, which is the best potato-producing area in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory for Donegal.
The Industrial Development Authority have for some time, at my request, been examining the possibility of having a starch-glucose industry established in this country. I am informed by the authority that a number of difficulties, including location, remain to be resolved before they are in a position to make a final report to me. The Deputy can rest assured that the merits of East Donegal in regard to the industry will be carefully weighed with those of other possible locations.
Can the Minister indicate whether the experiments sofar carried out have proved successful or not?
I did not make any reference to experiments. I am not sure what the Deputy has in mind.
I understood that there were certain experiments being carried out for the extraction of glucose.
No. I do not think experiments of a technical character are necessary. The problem is more a commercial problem than a technical one.