asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the amount of grants, and (b) the amount of loans given to the Cavan Engineering Works, (c) the number of men employed in the factory when it opened, and (d) the number of men at present employed there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cavan Engineering Works.
41.
The published reports of An Foras Tionscal show a grant of £175,000 approved for the firm mentioned in the question with actual payments amounting to £153,000.
It is not the practice to give employment figures in relation to individual concerns.
I have no function in the matter of industrial loans.
Could the Minister say whether the number of men employed now is greater or less than it was six months ago? Would that embarrass the Government?
The figures I have show an increase but they are not for the period the Deputy mentions. There have been difficulties. This firm has had difficulties in getting into operation.
It is not the difficulty of getting into operation I am worried about. It is the danger of going out of operation. Is there a danger that the firm is likely to go out of operation?
I think any firm in business has to compete and has to take risks and every firm in business is in some danger of going out of business. The fact that some industries do not succeed should not be a reason for not supporting the development of industry here. This firm is experiencing difficulties and they are trying to overcome them.
I do not want to embarrass the Minister.
I am not embarrassed at all but I do not think it is desireable to make an issue of individual firms who run into difficulties merely because they have State backing. It is very desirable that firms should come in here.
We heard that when the Dundalk one went out of operation. I think the Minister should take an interest in this one before it goes down. If there is a danger of it going to the wall he should take action.
I am taking an interest in it.