asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the date, according to his records on which a firm (name supplied) went into production at Birr, County Offaly and the date on which it closed down; the amount of state money lent or invested in this concern; if it is a fact that a very substantial State loan was made available to this concern for the manufacture of guns for the export market; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Firm.
73.
The firm named commenced production in November, 1967 and ceased production in February, 1970. Loans made to the company from State sources do not come within my responsibility, but grants including training grants were made by An Foras Tionscal to the extent of £16,090. The company are in receivership and it would not be appropriate for me to make any further statement at present.
The Minister says that loans made to the company do not come within his responsibility. He was not asked whether they came within his responsibility; he was asked whether he knew what they amounted to.
I do not.
I take it the Minister took great care not to but I am quite certain that if he looked at the papers in his Department he would see the amount.
I have the papers but it does not come within my Department.
I am quite certain the amount is stated on the files in the Department of Industry and Commerce.
I notice these guns were for export.
Leave that between Deputy Flanagan and myself.