asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in the event of the inability of the APCO groups to ensure a supply of crude oil for their Bantry Bay proposals, he will grant similar concessions to other groups; and if he will ensure that all proposals in this regard will be given equal consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bantry Bay Proposals.
26.
It is not possible to say in advance what facilities, if any, would be granted in the hypothetical circumstances envisaged by the Deputy. In such circumstances the whole position regarding the establishment of oil refineries in this country would, naturally, be reconsidered by the Industrial Development Authority and by me.
In regard to the second part of the question, I can say that full consideration is always given to all proposals for industrial projects.
Leaving aside the hypothetical aspect, would the Minister undertake to treat on an equal basis all proposals coming before him for this type of development which is becoming increasingly important because of the energy crisis?
I agree about the importance of the matter but I wish to be absolutely specific in my answer. As to whether all proposals will be treated identically, the answer is "No" because all proposals will not be the same but all proposals will be treated on the same principles and guidelines. There may be different results on deliberations of differing proposals but the same criteria will be applied in all cases.
The point I am trying to elucidate is that should two proposals which are similar come before the Minister would he ensure that one such proposal would not be given advantage over the other by way of State assistance if they were both competing for the same market?
Yes, I will. I am very concerned that decisions regarding the expenditure of public money would be taken in the light of technical considerations and not because of personal or political considerations.