asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any loan or financial guarantee by the State was given to the Dutch Shipping Company in respect of its projected ship-building activities in the State and, if so, the amount of the loan or guarantee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Aid for Dutch Shipping Company.
15.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by my predecessor to similar questions on the 14th January, 1959. The position has not altered since that date.
Does the Minister think that, at a time when the loan has been advanced by way of guarantee and is the subject of discussion among groups in the city, it is desirable that the information should be further withheld?
As the Deputy is aware, the loan assistance provided for this company and the extent to which, if at all, it will be required was debated at some length here last week on the Industrial Credit Company Bill. The Minister for Finance said that he would examine the suggestions made by Deputies. I think, at this stage, it would be better to leave the matter for that examination.
Do I take it that the Minister for Finance might deal with it when considering the Industrial Investment Bill?
I do not know. He gave the undertaking that he would examine the situation.
Well, I shall ask him the supplementary I was about to ask the Minister now.