asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will examine the possibility of providing a smelting plant to process the ores now being discovered in the country.
128.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smelting of Irish Ores.
127.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the large scale exportation of ore to foreign countries; and what steps he proposes to take to have this ore smelted in the Republic so that employment may be provided for Irish people.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
While I am aware that there are large exports of ore, the establishment of a smelting plant in this country is a matter primarily for private enterprise and I understand that the matter is at present under consideration. I will be only too glad to examine any proposal that may be forthcoming.