asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the likely effects of the telecommunications dispute on the overseas promotion work of the IDA.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telecommunications Dispute.
2.
The telecommunications dispute was, of course, damaging to the overseas promotion work of the IDA. However, only a very small number of planned visits by overseas industrialists has been cancelled, and present indications are that the IDA's target this year for job approvals in manufacturing industry will be met.
Will the Minister indicate if decisions were taken by a number of firms not to proceed with the establishment of industries here because of the telecommunications dispute? If that is the case, what is the estimated number of jobs lost?
They are not the facts before me. For example, the practical effects of the telecommunications and airline strikes on visits of overseas industrialists are that out of a total of 45 itineraries only four visits were cancelled. We have no information to connect those figures——
Is the Minister aware of the recent disruption in the international telephone system? Further, is he aware that any escalation in this area will have disastrous consequences for areas that are the responsibility of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy? Will he urge on the Minister the desirability and urgency of using his influence in the Cabinet to get decisions——
That is another question.
——on a formula that will resolve permanently this prolonged telecommunications dispute?
Will the Minister follow the precedent which he created on the last occasion by having the courtesy to tell the House where the Minister is at the moment?
The Minister is involved in IDA promotional work in Germany and Switzerland.
He has been present in the House to answer questions on four occasions since the election, and the Minister of State present has been here seven times——
It is not in order to continously raise questions about the Minister's presence or that of any other Deputy.
It is becoming a national scandal.
I am calling Question No. 3. We must proceed with Question Time.