asked the Minister for Finance if he has seen the suggestion in the June issue of the official organ of the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks that funds of a State sponsored organisation have been advanced to an international speculative concern to enter the retail distribution trade in this country; if he has made inquiries as to the accuracy or otherwise of this suggestion; and, if well-founded, whether he will state the Government's view on the desirability of the organisation employing its funds for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retail Distribution Trade.
Mr. Lemass
I have seen the suggestion to which the Deputy's question relates. No particulars are given of the international speculative concern referred to nor is the State-sponsored organisation indicattified. I have no information indicating that there is any truth in the suggestion.
Mr. Lemass
The Minister can at least make the case as to what organisations are mentioned in the article and I think he should concern himself to inquire whether there is foundation for the suggestions, because, if there is foundation for it, it would appear to call for action by the Government.
I have made inquiries from some State-sponsored organisations any one of which appeared to me to be possibly the one to which reference was made. I made inquiries from three, as I say, believing they were the most likely; in all those three cases there is no shadow or substance for the report that was made. The Deputy can be assured that the organisations from which I inquired include the organisation which I imagine he probably has in his mind. There is no substance whatsoever for the suggestion.