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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Jul 1949

Vol. 117 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Limestone Mechanical Spreaders.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that Mr. Paul Murphy, Brownswood, Enniscorthy, was promised mechanical spreaders for ground limestone last January by Comhlucht Siuicre Éireann, Teoranta; that the company has now informed him that pending a Government decision on the question of granting Córas Iompair Éireann a monopoly in the distribution and spreading of lime, Comhlucht Siuicre Éireann, Teoranta is not at liberty to manufacture spreading for sale, and whether the Minister will expedite a decision in the matter so that private enterprise is not unduly impeded in this important business.

As the Deputy is aware, Comhlucht Siuicre Éireann, Teoranta, which was set up under the Sugar Manufacture Act, 1933, is a limited liability company operating under the Companies Acts. As has been explained on previous occasions, the board of the company has full responsibility for the management of its affairs and the Minister for Finance has no Parliamentary responsibility in the matter.

I am, however, aware that the arrangements for distributing and spreading ground limestone have been the subject of discussion between the company and Córas Iompair Éireann on the one hand and the Departments of Agriculture and Industry and Commerce on the other. A decision in the matter will be expedited as much as possible.

Can the Minister say if the promise of the Sugar Company to provide these spreaders will be implemented in the near future?

I do not know what the Sugar Company has promised nor if the promise may be implemented.

Would the Minister say if the decision by the Minister will allow them to provide these spreaders and when that decision by the Minister will be taken?

It would not be my decision.

It appears it is.

It may be a Government decision. It would not be my decision.

Can the Minister say when the matter will be decided by the Government?

I could not say, but I am quite certain it will be quite a considerable time before a decision is given.

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