asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why the IDA refused to pay a grant to a firm (name supplied) in Killarney, County Kerry, which is a viable new industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Kerry Industry.
81.
This is one of a number of applications received from time to time by the Industrial Development Authority from voluntary bodies providing rehabilitation and sheltered workshops. The authority considered that because of their medical/social nature it would be more appropriate for such projects to be dealt with by the Department of Health. The case mentioned by the Deputy is accordingly being dealt with by that Department.
Is the Minister aware that this industry is being operated on the same lines as any normal industry and that last year there was a substantial profit?
I have indicated in reply to the Deputy's question that this is a matter of policy by the Industrial Development Authority and that industries which come into the medical/social category are dealt with by the Department of Health. I am quite prepared, if he thinks the matter merits further investigation, to have a look at it and come back to him about it. I have no objection to changing existing policy, but it would involve a change. I shall certainly look at it.
I gather that the Department of Health, through the Minister for Health, has informed these people that they are not eligible for any grants from his Department. If this is so, would the Minister reconsider his decision in this matter and see how best he could help out?
My reply to the previous supplementary throws some light on this supplementary. I have indicated that, while the Industrial Development Authority in this context did not see any reason to change existing policy, I am prepared to have the matter looked at again. I shall not pre-judge a decision, but at least we shall re-examine it.