This is the nub of the Bill because it concerns the raising of the financial limits within which Fóir Teoranta can operate. This raises the fundamental principle of the operation of that company, the criteria on which they operate and how they allocate the funds made available by this House. A number of Deputies asked about the practical operation of Fóir Teoranta and, as was referred to by the Minister, other State agencies with Fóir Teoranta.
Let us get down to specifics, because this is something on which the Coalition can be tested. We must ask if they support basic industries. I am not talking about a Government through their agencies supporting any and every lame dog industry. I am asking if the Government are genuine about supporting basic industries. I am talking about a specific industry which has built up a pool of expertise over a number of years, where there are young people, fathers and grandfathers living in this city who have acquired skills. About 500 people are involved in this industry and 1,200 people in allied industries.
The Minister did not answer the points I raised on Second Stage. I want to know if the Government are serious about getting involved in basic industries, such as the pulp industry which is related to the Government's forestry programme, and the supply of timber products. The development of a pulp industry could lead to newsprint production, an industry we do not have at present. All this is the subject of a report which has not yet been published but which is available to the Government as a result of a joint study by the Forestry Department and the Industrial Development Authority. This report makes available to the Government the medium and long-term prospects of a profitable venture which would be suitable for joint investment by the State and private industry.
The Clondalkin Group Limited issued a press release today in which they emphasised that they wanted to ensure "a risk-sharing concept" on their part and on the part of the State. They said there was a marked absence of any commitment by the Tánaiste, whom they met, to risk-sharing and that there was no indication that there would be any further State aid forthcoming over and above that offered by the IDA on 21 October 1981.