asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is satisfied that, in the case of a firm (name supplied), sufficient investigation by the Industrial Development Authority took place before grants were made available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Investigation of Firm.
49.
I am satisfied that in the case of the firm mentioned sufficient investigation was made by the Industrial Development Authority.
Is the Minister aware that at the meeting of creditors this question was raised and that the liquidator promised to bring it back to the Department? Could the Minister say if this question was, in fact, referred back to the Department and further examined after the creditors' meeting in Jury's Hotel?
I cannot either confirm or deny that.
Is the Minister, in fact, saying that in the case of the grants paid to Electra Limited, the firm was adequately investigated beforehand and that the Department are quite satisfied that the failure of this enterprise was due to the ordinary business risks of the market and that the Department, in fact, made all prior investigations properly?
I am satisfied that the prior investigations were satisfactorily carried out. I am not saying that the cause of failure was solely normal market forces; there were other causes involved but I am satisfied that the prior investigations were adequately carried out.
Will the Minister check to see if this request, which was to be conveyed by the liquidator was, in fact, acted upon by the Department?
Yes, I will.