asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a policy has been adopted regarding the building and siting of oil refineries in any part of the country; and, if so, if he will state the policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Refinery Policy.
18.
Mr. R. Burke
The selection of a location for any industrial project is primarily a matter for the promoters.
The policy in regard to any project is that the consent of the appropriate planning authority, or of the Minister for Local Government in the event of an appeal, must be obtained, and that any conditions prescribed for the prevention of pollution or the protection of the environment must be observed. Grants or other assistance will be provided by the Industrial Development Authority only when they are satisfied that this procedure has been fully complied with. This policy applies to oil refineries and their siting as to any other industry.
I thank the Minister for answering a question which I did not ask. I asked if the Government had a policy on the siting of oil refineries. The Minister, in his generosity, has given me lots of information which I did not ask for. Am I to take it, then, that the Government have no policy on the siting of oil refineries?
Mr. R. Burke
I would not draw that inference from the reply I have just given.
The Minister has not answered the question. Am I to take it that his silence on this matter means they have got no policy? The Minister should be able to answer that.
Mr. R. Burke
I have answered it.
Question No. 19.
The Minister has not answered the question I asked.
Is the Minister saying there is a policy?
Mr. R. Burke
I have read out the answer which was given to me to the question put to me.
The Minister has not answered the question.
Mr. R. Burke
I have answered it to my own satisfaction. The Deputy has a procedure if he wishes to raise the matter further.
I will accept the Minister's advice and give notice that I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Moore.