asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any plans to amend the Undeveloped Areas Acts in the immediate future to enable all parts of the country to participate in the benefits offered by the State for the setting up of new industries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Undeveloped Areas Act Amendment.
18.
In anticipation of the expiry on the 31st December, 1963, of the current period of operation of the Undeveloped Areas Acts 1952 and 1957 and of the Industrial Grants Act, 1959, I have decided to put in hands a comprehensive review of the industrial grants scheme in the light of experience gained since its inception. During the course of this review which, owing to the important and complex issues involved, will take some time to complete due regard will be had to suggestions for amendments to the Industrial Grants scheme which have been or may be received from various interests.
In the meantime, it will be necessary for me to come before the House, at an early date, to seek legislative authority to increase the amount sanctioned by the Oireachtas for the purposes of the Acts. In view of the contemplated review, this interim measure will necessarily be limited in scope.
In the interim could the Minister give a more sympathetic ear to the east coast of Ireland with regard to the setting up of industries than we had heretofore?
I have always given a sympathetic ear to the east coast.
In the meantime is the Minister considering the extension of the undeveloped areas or revising the schedule in any way?
I have no intention of revising it in the meantime. The interim report will be designed primarily to increase the amount of money available. The review being carried out will be carried out for the purpose not of having defined undeveloped areas but to have instead special development areas without any regard to geographical delineation marks.
Under the old Act has not the Minister power to schedule any area in the country as undeveloped?
I have such power but it has not been used except in regard to areas contiguous to the undeveloped areas.