asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht whether further consideration has recently been given by Arramara Teoranta to the possibility of its undertaking the production of alginates in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alginates Production.
37.
Tuigim nach ndearna Arramara Teoranta an cheist seo a mheas le déanaí.
Would the Minister say whether in connection with this matter a private company has recently been established?
I can inform the Deputy that there is a private company which has got a licence to manufacture alginates in this country. That firm is engaged in experimental work and possibly they will proceed to further development in the manufacture of alginates.
In view of the Minister's statement, will he now tell me why, over the past 20 years, it was found impossible for the Department, or a State company, to embark on this most desirable project? How is it that a private interest is in a position to do what the State itself considered was not practicable?
I have said my information is that the private company, in a scheme of this nature, is still dealing with it in an experimental way, and the company has not even yet reached the point of commercial production. As to what has been the position for the past 20 years, things are happening in these times—including the launching of rockets to the moon—that were not possible years ago.