asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state as at 31st March, 1961, the financial commitments of An Foras Tionscal in respect of industrial projects (a) in the undeveloped areas and (b) in other areas, the total capital investment involved in such projects, and the employment expected to be given by them corresponding to the figures given as at mid-February, 1961, by him in his address to Comh-Chomhairle Átha Cliath on 27th February last.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industries: Foras Tionscal Commitments.
14.
In reply to a similar Question by the Deputy on 25th April, I indicated that I hoped to have an opportunity, on the presentation of the Estimates for my Department, to review the activities of An Foras Tionscal during the year ended 31st March, 1961. For the purpose of this review, it has been ascertained from An Foras Tionscal:—
(i) that as at 31st March, 1961 they had undertaken financial commitments of over £4½ million in respect of industries proposed for establishment in the undeveloped areas; that of this amount grants totalling over £2 million had been paid; that the projects approved, which represent a total capital investment of over £11 million, are expected to give employment to over 8,000 persons; and that sixty-one projects located in the undeveloped areas and assisted by An Foras Tionscal were in production on 31st March;
(ii) that, outside the undeveloped areas, An Foras Tionscal had, under the Industrial Grants Act, 1959, undertaken grant commitments of over £2¾ million as at 31st March, 1961, of which £490,000 had been paid out as at that date; that the projects approved, which represent a total capital investment of £15 million, are expected to give employment to over 5,000; and that twelve projects located outside the undeveloped areas and assisted by An Foras Tionscal were in production on 31st March.
Can the Minister say why he could not give me that information when I asked a similar question on 25th April?
I wanted to maintain the precedent of referring Deputies to the report of An Foras Tionscal. I was hoping I could have given this information in the course of my Estimate speech.
Surely Deputies are entitled to as much courtesy as the members of the Minister's Party, who got this information at a meeting on the 27th February last?
This is more up-to-date.
The Minister must be aware that on the 27th February the information I have asked for now was given in respect of the period up to the middle of February.
They do not believe in having an Opposition here any longer. You tried before and you will fail again.
At least the Deputy ought to conduct an orderly Opposition.
With that trio in front of me I would be hard put to do it.