asked the Minister for Finance if the holding of world conferences by International Parliamentary Conferences on the Environment in Ireland is being encouraged; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environment Conference.
31.
I have no proposal before me at present for the holding of a world conference by an International Parliamentary Conference on the Environment in Ireland.
I consider that the initiative in such matters should rest with an International Parliamentary Conference. If such a proposal came before me, I would consider it in the light of the facilities and resources which would be required.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the fourth International Parliamentary Conference on the Environment was proposed to be held in this country next year and that it had been turned down? It is going to Jamaica or somewhere else.
I understand there was a proposal but the decision is to hold it elsewhere. The mere fact that the proposal was made by Ireland would not make it automatic that the organisation in question would decide to come here.
Organisations would pass resolutions to come here provided facilities would be made available here similar to those made available in other countries.
The last conference was held in a city where a magnificent modern conference facility was built at a cost which, if my memory serves me right, ran about £500 million. There are very few areas in the world that have a facility like that.
Is the Minister aware there are widespread conference facilities available not only in Dublin but in other parts of the country?
And all the conference facilities available in Ireland were brought to the attention of the organisation in question.