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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1968

Vol. 234 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Development.

42.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if at this stage in the mineral development of the country there is any reappraisal of the policy of inviting foreign companies to exploit this natural resource; and whether there are any plans to use only Irish capital in this development.

It is the policy of the Government not to participate directly in mineral exploration and development, but to provide adequate facilities and attractive incentives to private concerns to engage in such activities. These facilities and incentives are available equally to Irish and foreign concerns.

This system is providing for the thorough and efficient exploration of our mineral resources and it is not proposed to alter the policy by confining investment in mineral development to Irish capital.

Would the Minister not consider that in a way it is rather a tragedy that we should be allowing this development to take place at the hands of foreigners and also a tragedy that the great profits made in this type of development should go out of the country and that Irish capital should not be put to work——

The Deputy is making a speech.

——and that the State itself should not take part in it? I am sure the Minister feels it is not his responsibility. it is rather a tragedy that this should be the case.

The Deputy is making a speech.

The subject needs a few speeches.

The fact is that the firm concerned are doing a very good job and have spent a great deal of money in the country.

How much are they taking out of it?

When an Irish concern tried it, they were not very successful. These companies are being successful now.

I think the foreigners could run the country better.

They would certainly be able to frame a supplementary question with more facility than Deputy O'Leary.

I know the Minister is doing his best. He is not the Minister responsible.

(Interruptions.)

Question No. 43.

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