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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1974

Vol. 275 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aer Lingus Computer Bureau.

6.

asked the Taoiseach if he was aware of the implications for the Aer Lingus Computer Bureau, Cara, which employs approximately 100 people, when he expressed support for a private bureau in Galway.

The establishment of such a highly specialised project will be of immense benefit to the Gaeltacht and I am not aware that it will have adverse implications for the Aer Lingus computer operation.

Would the Taoiseach agree that at a time of problems within the tourist trade, particularly of problems for our national airline, we should encourage the use of this service by firms within the country and that otherwise trouble might be caused for one of the most financially viable sections of Aer Lingus? Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is—I do not wish to use the word "improper"—unusual for a Taoiseach to encourage such competition?

The Deputy may not be aware of this, but originally a proposal was approved involving Gaeltarra Éireann and the Irish Computer Bureau Services. Subsequently the latter company was acquired by Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus did not proceed with it, but I understand that the type of data that is supplied is of a different technical kind from that which the one in Furbo is, and that it in no way interferes with Aer Lingus.

I appreciate that the Taoiseach is probably in a position to give more detailed information but I understood that this particular——

Will the Deputy be brief?

I understood that this particular sphere of business activity in this country is already overloaded and that further activity of this nature, and in particular activity which causes competition for a semi-State body, is to be discouraged.

The Deputy is embarking on a statement which is not in order. I am calling the next question.

The Deputy will appreciate that the State is also involved in the investment in Gaeltarra Éireann which is also a State undertaking.

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