Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 5

Written Answers. - Údarás na Gaeltachta Grant.

Robert Molloy

Question:

122 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if grant-aid has been provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta for the installation of primary saw-milling capacity to a company (details supplied); his views on whether this plant will be in direct competition with established operators in the saw-milling industry; if it is the policy of Forbairt not to grant-aid the installation of primary saw-milling capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6848/96]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I have no function in relation to Údarás na Gaeltachta. I have referred the Deputy's inquiry about grant aid to the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht under whose aegis Údarás na Gaeltachta operates. I will furnish that Department's response to the Deputy when I receive it.

The position in relation to the saw-milling industry is that expansion over a number of years has led to overcapacity in the industry with all mills competing for limited supplies of sawlog. Accordingly, it has been policy since 1991 not to grant-aid any further capacity in the sector. The only significant support currently available from Forbairt relates to added value activities. Forbairt will continue to encourage sawmills into this area through measure 1 grants.