asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the fact that the operation of the Undeveloped Areas Act is being extended, he will consider the extending of the operation of this Act to South Tipperary and West Waterford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Undeveloped Areas Act.
48.
Pending the completion of a review which is being undertaken of the operation of the industrial grants scheme, it will be my general policy to extend the application of the Undeveloped Areas Acts only to areas which are "fringe" areas contiguous to the undeveloped areas. In the meantime I feel that it would not be warranted to single out the areas referred to by the Deputy for inclusion within the scope of the Undeveloped Areas Acts. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, An Foras Tionscal are already empowered to make substantial grants in connection with any suitable proposals coming forward for the establishment of industries in South Tipperary and West Waterford.
Surely the Minister will agree that an unemployed man in Clonmel, Tipperary or Lismore, suffers the same hardship as an unemployed man in Cavan, Leitrim or places west of the Shannon? Is he not aware of the emigration figures from this area? According to the statistics for 1956 to 1961, over 6,000 emigrated from South Tipperary. In such circumstances, we would expect the Minister to consider that area to be an undeveloped area. It is true to say that no worthwhile industry has been established——
The Deputy must ask a question.
Some State aid is badly required.
Is it proposed to make these extensions by an amendment of the existing Act or by an order under the existing Act?
The extensions that have been made were made under an order under the existing Act.
Is it intended to continue that machinery or will there be a re-definition?
It is intended to continue it, pending the completion of a review at present being undertaken of the whole concept.
Is the review likely to involve an amendment of the Act?
It is quite possible it will.