asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what are the prospects of the firm of Messrs. Potez, Galway going into full production; or what are the possibilities of another firm taking over the premises and providing much wanted employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potez Galway Firm.
48.
The marketing difficulties experienced by this firm which I previously explained to the House have not been overcome and my information is that there is no immediate prospect of full production.
I cannot state what the possibilities are of another firm taking over the premises, as this would involve the emergence of suitable industrial proposals, followed by agreement of all the parties concerned to an arrangement for the transfer of the premises.
The Minister will agree an inquiry has been made concerning the use of these premises by another party?
Yes, constant efforts are made by the IDA to interest other firms in all these places. However, this case is not as simple as that. The proprietor of this firm is not satisfied he cannot make use of the premises himself.
That was not the question. I understand there was an inquiry from an American firm. What are the prospects of that particular firm acquiring it?
I am not in a position to make a statement.
Is the position that, having handed over practically £750,000 to these people, they intend to keep those premises closed while others are clamouring for the use of them?
Not at all. The position is that anybody seeking to take over these premises has to negotiate with the proprietors. That is far removed from what the Deputy says.
Have we given Potez full control over these premises now? I understood previously that they would not have full control until they were so many years in production.
As the Deputy has been told, they cannot dispose of the premises without the prior agreement of An Foras Tionscal.
Are they producing anything at all?
They have a huge stock of heaters that cannot be sold.