asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the sponsors of the Whitegate refinery have announced that it is not their intention to produce oil by-products, and, if so, and in view of the fact that an enormous amount of by-products could be produced from oil to supply the raw materials for several ancillary industries, whether he will take steps to encourage the refinery company to alter its policy on this important matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Refinery By-Products.
I have seen a report in a newspaper of a lecture given recently by one of the oil refining company's representatives in which it was stated that it was not at present intended to manufacture by-products at the Whitegate refinery because the process of conversion involved considerable expenditure which would not be justified owing to lack of adequate market outlets here or elsewhere. It is my intention to encourage the refining company and any other persons who may be interested in using the by-products of the refinery to undertake such additional operations as may prove feasible when the appropriate time comes.