asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what steps have been taken towards the establishment of a bicycle industry in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bicycle Industry.
Proposals for the manufacture of bicycles have already been made by different groups. These proposals are at present under examination by the Industrial Development Authority.
Is the Minister satisfied that the history of the manner in which the attempt to obtain protection for a cycle industry in this country was treated in his Department prior to the establishment of the Industrial Development Authority is one of which he can be proud?
I am satisfied that both my Department and the Industrial Development Authority are concerned only with getting a bicycle manufacturing industry established here in such a way as to ensure that it will function in a successful way.
Can the Minister say that he will so order it that it will be done without the protracted delay that these people in this country have experienced in the past?
The Deputy will appreciate that there is sometimes necessity for delay and the mere putting up of proposals does not in itself ensure or indicate that if the assistance requested by the particular prospective manufacturers were given it would ensure the establishment of a sound industry. Our concern is to see that if the bicycle manufacturing industry is established here it will be a sound industry and one that will succeed.
There was 13 months' delay.