asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has given any consideration to the introduction of legislation or to an arrangement to promote industrialisation in the Laois-Offaly area in the light of the disclosures conveyed in the Economic and Social Research Institute's Ross Report indicating that the income growth per head in this area since 1960 is the lowest in the State; and, if not, if he will now do so as a matter of urgency as this report establishes that present industrial legislation operates to the disadvantage of the underdeveloped Midland areas.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Industrialisation.
37.
I have seen the report of the Economic and Social Research Institute and the reference therein to Laois and Offaly. The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs has been making representations to me for some time in regard to these two counties and, as he indicated in a recent public speech, the question of remedial action is being urgently examined at present.
I would say that these three Fianna Fáil members were not very vocal about the two counties before the last election.
Nevertheless, the people in Laois-Offaly are very strong in their support of the Fianna Fáil Party.
38.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report for the Economic and Social Research Institute compiled by Dr. Michael Ross which clearly discloses the fact that Laois and Offaly has one of the lowest rates of personal income in Ireland and that they are the areas which had the smallest increases in non-agricultural employment; what steps he now proposes to take so as to remedy this position and prevent further economic decay in the two counties concerned; and if this report warrants on the part of the Government special urgent action in so far as Laois-Offaly is concerned so that the area will be more attractive for those engaged in the establishment of industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I have given to the previous question on the same subject by Deputy Cowen.
39.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will comment on the Buchanan Report which makes no mention of any worthwhile industrial development in the counties of Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement in relation to the industrial prospects of both counties having regard to the fact that they have been omitted from this report.
As indicated in the statement issued by the Government on the publication of the Buchanan Report, it was decided that the recommendation about growth centres in the report should be considered in the context of regional development generally. The matter is still being examined.
In regard to the position of Laois and Offaly, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given today to another question on the same subject.
The Parliamentary Secretary seems to have established what I would consider a very dangerous precedent here. Are we to take it that in future questions put down by two Deputies are to be answered in the manner in which the Parliamentary Secretary answered two questions a few minutes ago? Could I have a reply? It has always been the custom here that, when two Deputies put down a similar type question, those questions were answered together. I am not holding any brief for Deputy Oliver Flanagan but I am just attempting to prevent a dangerous precedent from being established here and I would consider it most undesirable that that should be the case.
Any comment?
I will give due consideration to the remarks by Deputy Tully.
It is the Chair I am more interested in.
The Chair has no responsibility for Ministers' replies.
He asked your permission.
I did not ask it. I dealt with each question separately.
I am sure the Chair appreciates that here there is something which we never saw before. I want to ensure that it will not be quoted as a precedent.
It is a matter for a Minister, not for the Chair.
I have made the point and it will go on the record that it will not be accepted as precedent.