asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the Athlone woollen mills are likely to be put into full production in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Woollen Mills.
As the question relates to the affairs of a private commercial concern I am unable to give the desired information. The Deputy will appreciate that it is for the firm itself to determine the scope of its production.
I have that reply off by heart. That is the fourth time in six years that I have been given that reply in this House and, in view of the fact that we are inviting, and quite rightly, foreign people to come in here to set up industries, does the Minister not think we should set a good example here first in connection with the industries that are in operation and that steps should be taken by his Department, in view of the delay of 15 years, to ensure that these mills will shortly be reopened?
That is a separate question.
Apart from that, the Deputy will appreciate that I am at a particular disadvantage in discussing the private affairs of a private firm here. I have no power to get a private firm to abandon its own plans and to do something else. That would be unconstitutional. There is a Constitution in this country which gives a private firm constitutional guarantees which I cannot transgress.
I appreciate that, but can I take it that so far as the Minister is concerned he has urged on the firm or the people in question the desirability of reopening fully?
Not only can the Deputy take that assurance but we have had discussions from time to time with this firm, all designed to induce them to expand production in the weaving field but there are certain considerations which have to be taken into account. These are considerations of matters which only those who own the capital of this company are in a position to determine.