asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, the Government intends to take regarding the future of the Erin Foods factory at Tuam, County Galway, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tuam Erin Foods Factory.
18.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement issued yesterday by the joint committee representing the proposed Tuam Potato Co-Op and Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta in which it was stated that complete agreement in principle has been reached between the steering committee of the proposed Tuam Potato Co-Op and the Sugar Company with regard to establishing the co-op in the immediate future. I am very pleased that the difficult negotiations on this issue have been fruitful and I look forward to seeing the detailed proposals which will be worked out by the joint committee.
What does the Minister mean by "the immediate future"?
Within a fortnight.
Do I take it that that is the correct reply?
The Deputy can take it that "the immediate future" means very shortly. The whole object of the exercise is to get this operation going as soon as possible. There is a degree of urgency about it at present, which the Deputy is familiar with, in regard to the crop and so on. The intention is to get it under way as soon as possible. I do not wish to commit myself to a particular date because I do not control what will happen, but I am confident that the intention on the part of all parties is to get this operation under way at the earliest possible moment.
Will the Minister ensure that there is a complete change of attitude by the board of the Sugar Company towards the west and a reversal of policies and responsibilities which were prevalent under the existing board so that the company will be enabled to play a proper and responsible role in the west in general, and to the advantage of small farmers in particular?
The Deputy is making a speech. I am calling the next question.
I should like to thank the Minister for Finance publicly for the tremendous efforts he has made to bring this to a fruitful conclusion. Deputy Donnellan can be assured that on Tuesday week he will know the details.
The Deputy did not know what was happening until I put down the question.
I had the answers and I cannot understand how the Deputy was not aware of what was going on.
I should like to thank Deputy Killilea for his unsolicited tribute.
The Ceann Comhairle called the next question.
We have moved on to Question No. 19.
I know Deputy Donnellan does not want this on the record but I must put it on.
Apparently, there is one law for one side of the House and another for the other side.
If the Deputies opposite undertake to obey the Chair in that respect, every time the Chair calls the next question I will sit down. If they are not going to do that I should like to be given the opportunity to answer the question put to me.
They got a right licking now.
Order.
The Minister is entitled to a little praise and the praise from Deputy Killilea was the only praise he got for the last six weeks.
We know what the Coalition did for us; they closed everything.
I suppose Deputy Killilea will drain the Shannon next.
The fact that the outcome of these discussions has been as satisfactory as it was is a matter of gratification to all concerned but, in fairness to the board of the Sugar Company, since there has been this outcome the comments of Deputy Killilea should be read in the light of that outcome. I am aware that Deputy Killilea——
Deputy Donnellan also worked on this.
——has been active in bringing about this in his representations to the Sugar Company, to the steering committee and to me. I am sure the people of Tuam are well aware of Deputy Killilea's role and that of the Minister of State, Deputy Hussey, in this matter.
I welcome the answer given by the Minister on this occasion but——
I thought the Chair called the next question.
——I should like to add that empty buckets make most noise.
It is a pity that Deputy Donnellan is so dissatisfied.
What about Deputy Killilea going for Europe?
If I went I would be elected.
May the Lord open the Deputy's brains and close his mouth.