asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the reason he cannot arrange for the IDA to grant aid a proposed meat processing plant at Crohane, Fossa, Killarney, County Kerry, having regard to the numerous representations made by Deputy John O'Leary and by the firm's accountants, and in view of the fact that it will give much-needed employment in the Killarney area and that this proposed meat processing plant will provide much additional revenue for the sheep farmers of Kerry, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kerry Meat Processing Plant.
11.
I have no function in regard to a decision by the Industrial Development Authority as to grant assistance in any particular case. This is a matter for the authority, in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Development Acts. I understand from the authority that, following consultations with the Department of Agriculture who have primary responsibility for the meat industry, a strategy for the development of the sheepmeat industry has been drawn up. This strategy precludes grant assistance in respect of new slaughtering capacity for the home market and the project in question is therefore ineligible for grant aid.
Question No. 12 re-entered for oral reply.