asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will extend to all counties the facilities granted to intending promoters of new industries in the western seaboard counties, so that these other counties may have an equitable share of such facilities available for development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Facilities for Promoters of New Industries.
34.
The answer is in the negative. The scale of grants provided for undertakings sited in the undeveloped areas is intended to offset the disadvantages, such as distance from markets and centres of supply of raw materials, inherent in the selection of a factory site in the undeveloped areas.
Do I understand from the Minister that there is no difference between the facilities offered to what have been called the undeveloped areas and the other parts of the country?
If the Deputy understands that, he has imported something into the reply that I have not said.
Would the Minister be kind enough to read the answer again?
The answer is in the negative. The scale of grants provided for undertakings sited in the undeveloped areas is intended to offset the disadvantages, such as distance from markets and centres of supply of raw materials, inherent in the selection of a factory site in the undeveloped areas.
In the light of the fact that there is continued and heavy emigration from all areas, would the Minister not think it desirable to extend the facilities available in the west and the undeveloped areas to the other parts of the country?
I do not think that, at present, at any rate, we would be justified in extending the facilities that apply in the West to other parts of the country.
The Minister does not consider that that part of the country outside the undeveloped areas is now at a disadvantage in view of the facilities given to the other areas?
I do not agree.