asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the approximate cost to the State of acquiring Clondalkin Paper Mills; when the purchase price is to be paid by the State; if it will require a Supplementary Estimate; if provision will need to be made in 1983 in respect of losses or current costs associated with Clondalkin Paper Mills; his policy in regard to the nationalisation by the State of loss-making concerns; and if the acquisition in this instance of Clondalkin Paper Mills constitutes a precedent for a case being made to the Government for the acquisition of other similar concerns in a loss-making situation.
Written Answers. - Clondalkin Paper Mills.
546.
The Deputy will appreciate that, while negotiations with the liquidator for the purchase of the Clondalkin Paper Mills assets are pending, I would not wish to pre-empt my position in those negotiations by providing the estimated figure sought in the first part of the question.
The Deputy will also understand that since the negotiations on the mill's purchase have not been finalised, it would be premature at this stage to comment on the question of a Supplementary Estimate and on future financing.
Except in very exceptional circumstances, involving an activity regarded as of strategic importance nationally, I do not consider that the question of nationalisation of loss-making concerns in manufacturing industry should be entertained. In the case of the takeover by the State of the assets of Clondalkin Paper Mills, I would not regard it, nor should it be taken as a precedent of the kind suggested by the Deputy.