asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the cause of the delay in declaring the counties of Laois and Offaly as undeveloped areas so that they may qualify for the benefits of such areas for industrial expansion in view of the large numbers unemployed in the two counties concerned; if the Government have considered the matter; if so, what was the decision in view of his statement on the 13th February, 1970, that he would be surprised if such counties were not included as industrial areas before the end of 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Industrial Expansion.
21.
The question of the designation of Laois/Offaly is still under consideration.
The Minister does recall giving an undertaking on 9th February, 1970, at a dinner at which he was present.
The question says "13th February."
That is the date on which it appeared in the newspapers. The Minister does recall giving an undertaking to the effect that before the end of 1970 the Minister was very hopeful this area would be included? There are now only six weeks left in 1970 and the Minister has not very much time in which to make up his mind if he is going to keep the undertaking he gave.
I did not give an undertaking.
I was present and listening. What did the Minister actually say?
The Deputy quoted it here: there is nothing about an undertaking in the question.
Does the Minister deny that he told the Portlaoise Chamber of Commerce that a decision in this matter would be given before the end of 1970 and that the Minister was hopeful the decision would be a favourable one? There are only six weeks left in 1970 and when can we hope to have the favourable decision expected as a result of the undertaking given by the Minister in Portlaoise?
Undertaking?
The newspapers cannot be wrong all the time.
I have said that the matter is still under active consideration.
When is active consideration going to result in action? Since I became a Member of this House this matter has been under active consideration by the Minister and there is still no action.
There are very many areas in relation to which similar claims are being made?
Is that right? That must be because of Fianna Fáil's failure to give employment then.
I said "similar claims". The Deputy from Waterford should be the last man to complain.