asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the urgent need for the extension of the small industries programme of State aid to all countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Small Industries Programme.
58.
As I have already told the Dáil, arrangements are being made for the extension of the Small Industries Programme. These arrangements are now nearing completion and I shall be making an announcement about them in the near future.
I feel sure the Minister is aware that many of these small industries were established in the hope and in the belief that the small industries programme would be extended and put into operation early this year. Now, there are nearly two months of this year gone and we are still awaiting the Minister's intimation. Is he aware that many other projects are in the offing in anticipation of the extension of his programme? I am particularly concerned as to when it will go into operation in my constituency.
We cannot have a debate on this question.
The Minister announced its extension to Wexford, where there is a by-election coming up, the other night at a Fianna Fáil campaign meeting.
Was there a separate Government decision in respect of Wexford?
Yes.
Could the Minister give the reason why?
The by-election.
I would have thought that Deputy Corish would be the last one to question this.
They are not that gullible down there.
If Deputy Corish wishes to question it and wants to speculate on it, why does he not speculate on why Deputy Treacy has not got the same undertaking? If the Deputy likes to speculate, let him work on that one.
Can the Minister give me an indication as to when the scheme will be applied? Will it be a month or two months?
Quite soon.
Get the Chamber of Commerce to invite him down to a dinner and you will get it that night.