Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 6

Written Answers. - UK State Aid to Digital.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

57 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the information supplied by the EC Competition Commissioner, Mr. Karel Van Miert, to Irish MEP Des Geraghty, in which he disclosed that the British Government admitted paying £18.5 million to the Digital Computer Company to assist the company update two plants in Scotland; if, in view of the decision by this company to end its computer manufacturing operation in Ireland with the loss of so many jobs, he intends to lodge any protest with the EC authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

I am aware of the information supplied by the Commission. Representations about Digital Equipment Corporation, DEC, were made to the EC authorities on 23 February 1993.

The Commission is currently examining the State aid offered by the United Kingdom to Digital's plants at Ayr and Queensferry in Scotland. It is investigating whether the approved limits have been adhered to for both projects.

The Deputy will appreciate that all member states are entitled to provide financial assistance to individual undertakings as long as such assistance is in conformity with the scheme under which it has been approved.