asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if previous efforts to establish a manufacturing unit for battery-propelled cars will now be re-activated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Battery-Propelled Cars.
6.
The only such efforts I know of relate to an approach made to the IDA some months ago. The proposer was asked for additional details but has not so far supplied them.
Is the Minister aware that an attempt was made to launch a public company some years ago? I understand that when the issue was made the shares were bought up by some of the traditional motor assemblers and the project did not go ahead. Would the Minister consider making a special case for this type of production by way of grant?
I am aware that the traditional motor manufacturers and the people with an interest in the internal combustion engine have been unhappy to see the progress of the battery motor all over the world and they tried to act against it. This is an area of active research. The technology involved is very delicate. No one can predict whether they will be a failure or otherwise in this regard. It is an area of venture capital. There is a case for serious consideration and benevolence, but I do not think there is a case beyond the normal range of IDA help and assistance.
Would the Minister consider that in the case of this multi-national car assembly business an effort is being made to ensure a monopoly for the IC type of engine? The monopoly can be compared with that which brought about the oil crisis.
At this stage we are discussing battery-operated cars.
This is just a comparison.