asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is now satisfied that the APCO groups can ensure supply for the Bantry Bay proposals; and if he will give priority to other oil groups who can ensure the supply of crude oils.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crude Oil Supplies.
38.
It would not be proper for me to give information about the affairs of an individual company without their consent, and I am therefore unable to reply to the first part of the question.
The question of my giving priority to any project does not arise. As I said in reply to another question by Deputy Lemass earlier this year, commercial interests are at present free to establish oil refineries, subject, of course, to compliance with planning requirements.
Will the Minister state if this proposal is likely to go ahead in the near future?
The Deputy will appreciate there are no barriers on the side of the State to going ahead. The decision whether to do so must reside with the proprietors of the project.
I understand that since the original proposals came before the Minister for consideration the multi-nationalists have taken an interest in the matter. Will this change his attitude?
The question of any change of attitude simply does not arise. The position of the State is entirely unaltered.