asked the Minister for Agriculture when, and to what extent, his Department is likely to assist the creamery project at Bel-mullet, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Belmullet Creamery Project.
10.
My Department is prepared at all times to give any necessary technical advice to the promoters of this and similar projects. The question of financial assistance is primarily one for settlement between the promoters and An Foras Tionscal. A grant would, however, be available from my Department in respect of the cost of equipment for the pasteurisation of separated milk, the installation of which is now compulsory in all creameries, subject, of course, to compliance with the conditions of the relevant scheme.
Could the Minister say if a decision has been reached within the past 12 months or so whereby An Foras Tionscal do not now make grants available to creameries starting in areas such as the one mentioned in the question?
They have indicated their willingness to give a grant in this case.
In this case?
Yes.
Do I take it that they are making an exception in this case?
I did not say so.
I am asking the Minister is it so?
I said they have indicated their willingness to give a grant in this case.
Do I take it, then, from the Minister's reply, that they are making an exception in this case?
I cannot prevent the Deputy from interpreting my words in whatever way he likes, but I have said——
If the Minister does not want to give information, let him keep it.
If the Deputy does not want to hear the Minister, it is another matter.