asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total cost to public funds of his tour to Japan and the United States, if, as stated, five industries are to be set up as a result of this trip; if he will indicate the nature of the industries; when they are to commence and likely to go into production; where they are to be located; if any of these industries are to be set up in the Counties of Laois and Offaly; and, if so, if he will give details of same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Tour.
16.
The cost to public funds of my visit to Japan and the United States amounted to £1,522.
In regard to the Deputy's queries about possible new industries, since details of industrial proposals must be treated as confidential I am not in a position at present to add to the statement given at my press conference on 22nd September, 1970.
May I inquire if in the course of his press conference the Minister did indicate that, as a result of his trip, there was a possibility of five new industries coming to this country? Was that a statement of fact?
That was a statement of fact.
Can the Minister give any indication as to when these industries are likely to be established or can he indicate the location of them?
No. As I said in the reply, details of industrial proposals that have not reached fruition from the point of view of announcement about the allocation of grants and actual location are invariably treated as confidential.
What was the purpose of making the announcement that there was a possibility that five industries would be established when we do not really know if any industries will be established as a result of this trip?
When I arrived back from this promotional trip to Japan and the US I was met at the airport by a number of representatives of news media who asked questions and I endeavoured to give as comprehensive a reply as possible. I indicated at that stage that five overseas firms, three Japanese and two American, were expected to set up business in Ireland following that trip.
Can the Minister indicate when there is a possibility of these proposals being finalised?
I said at that time that I hoped in relation to two of the industries to be in a position to give further information concerning them over a period of, say, three to four months. The others would take a little longer.
May we assume from the Minister's reply that the industries which are to come to this country will be placed strategically and that the announcement will be made at some Fianna Fáil cumann in some part of the country so that the Government will gain the greatest possible political support as a result?
The fact that extensive industrial development is taking place is part of the reason for the solid support we have been receiving.
There will be no proposals for the building of planes here?
It was the Coalition that did away with the planes.
Building planes is what I am talking about. There will not be a Potez factory?
Could the Minister give some indication that he is not simply chancing his arm?
The Minister does not chance his arm.
We have no evidence as yet.
The evidence will be seen.
Let us see it.
(Interruptions.)
May I point out that we have 215 questions to deal with before 5 o'clock?
I can assure you that I will not delay the House. Could the Minister say if he would have any objection to giving in a confidential manner to anybody who would be interested the addresses or identity of the five firms?
For the Deputy's benefit I shall let him have a copy of the press statement.
I read that. It indicates nothing.
It indicates five new industries will be set up in this country.
Will the Minister give the increased grants——
Question No. 17.