Vol. 199 No. 9
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the disquiet caused in the printing industry by reports that State grants are being made to Canadian interests who propose to enter the printing trade in this country; and if. having regard to the high level of efficiency attained by Irish firms who cater fully for the home and export markets, he will state why such grants are being made, and the sum involved.
22.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether an application has been received from foreign interests for State assistance for the establishment of a film-setting of type industry in this country; if so, whether it is proposed to provide such aid; and if steps will be taken to ensure that the Irish printing industry will not suffer in any way by reason of the admission of any foreign printing concern.
23.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been called to reports with regard to the printing industry which appeared recently in a number of provincial newspapers; if he will make a statement in the matter with particular reference to the question of whether or not State assistance is being provided for financing a process which would compete with the industry and what is the amount of State assistance, if any, to be provided.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 21, 22 and 23 together.
Preliminary discussions have taken place between external interests and the Industrial Development Authority regarding a proposal for the establishment of an industry of the type referred to. Detailed proposals are now awaited by the Authority. I understand that an application for a grant has not as yet been made by the promoters to An Foras Tionscal.
The industry, if established, will be exclusively engaged in the export trade.
Is the Minister satisfied that there will be no reduction in employment as a result of this company setting up here under these conditions?
On the contrary, I would say there would be an increase. I hope so.
Can the Minister guarantee that the company will confine their activities to exports?
The basis of the proposal is exclusively export and there is plenty of room for exports from this country.
Will the Minister guarantee that they will be confined to exports only?
All guarantees that will be required will be negotiated in whatever discussions that will now take place with the Industrial Development Authority and An Foras Tionscal.
Is that one of the conditions of getting a grant, that they will export?
I expect that it would be.
In order to allay disquiet that might exist, possibly due to the fact that the proposal is not fully understood, will the Minister say positively here, now, that he is satisfied that this proposal will in fact not only not lead to diminution in employment for operative printers but will offer wider prospects of employment for them?
Yes, I can say that.
The Minister has already given me that assurance.
