asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is satisfied that the processing and manufacturing of Irish agricultural products should be under Irish control or at least 80 per cent under Irish control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Industry Control.
78.
It is clearly desirable that the processing and manufacturing of Irish agricultural products should, as far as practicable, be undertaken by concerns owned and controlled by Irish people. There is already a high degree of Irish ownership and participation in these industries and I am confident that this situation will continue. It has to be recognised of course that, in certain circumstances, advantages in the fields of management, markets and technology, not otherwise readily obtainable, may accrue from foreign investment. Such investment is often necessary or desirable in the interests of the food processing industry as a whole and of the farming community. However, while it is not possible under the Treaty of Rome to restrict, on grounds of nationality, investment by nationals of other member countries of the EEC, the objective of Government policy will be to encourage maximum participation by Irish interests and to preserve an acceptable balance between home and foreign ownership.
I accept and appreciate what the Minister has said. It has been said that we are in a very awkward position regarding wheat and flour. I would like the Minister to tell me whether we have more than a month's supply of flour for the home market. The Minister knows very well what I am after. He knows that a Canadian firm at one period tried to take over the milling industry in this country. That would be terribly wrong.
The Deputy has made his point.
I have told the Deputy of my concern.
I have the greatest trust in the Minister and believe he is doing right in this. I believe something is happening. I hope the Minister will not allow it to continue.
I want to be helpful, but the Deputy must understand that this is Question Time.