asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the Government has yet arrived at a decision on the question of the country's needs of additional supplies of cement and how these needs can best be supplied; and, if so, the nature of the decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Supplies.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what decision has been reached respecting the projected third cement factory to meet the urgent needs of building in the State.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 35 and No. 36 together.
I would refer the Deputies to my replies to previous questions on this subject. The matter is still under consideration and I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether Irish Cement Limited require his sanction to increase the capacity of the factory at Castlemungret, Limerick; and, if so, whether the company applied for such sanction or otherwise submitted proposals for such increase and with what result.
The manufacture of cement can be undertaken only under licence granted by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in accordance with the provisions of the Cement Acts, 1933 and 1938.
As regards the latter part of the question projects for increasing the country's production of cement have been received from a number of sources including Cement Limited. I am not at present in a position to say what action may be taken on these proposals.
Can the Minister say whether there is any hope that there will be a decision in this matter in the near future?
There will be, indeed.
It is taking a very long time.
The Deputy is anxious to know whether it is going to be in Ballydehob or in Limerick.
I do not mind where it is. Is it not wrong to be importing cement which is much dearer than the native article?
I could answer that, too.