asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider setting up an emergency fund to protect industry and to preserve employment in firms which are having difficulties in the present economic situation.
163.
Ceisteanna——Questions. Oral Answers. - Assistance for Industries.
162.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he intends to take any steps to alleviate the financial difficulties being experienced in industrial and commercial concerns affected by the crisis in the private house building industry.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
Industries which are encountering difficulties may seek the assistance of the Industrial Development Authority, who provide a special rescue service for such firms, and of my Department. Assistance is also available from other State bodies, including Fóir Teoranta. I do not consider it necessary to extend these facilities at the present time.
Is it not true that the Government are anxious to dispense with small industries, as they are with the small farmers?
It is entirely untrue and it is facetious on the Deputy's part to raise it.
That is not so. In Cobh and places like that they know very well that the Minister is trying to close small industries and farms.
I would remind the Deputy of the controversies of two years ago. If he wishes to raise the question of defending the interests of small farmers the record of Fianna Fáil is pretty grubby. They said some pretty shallow, stupid and half-baked things about the future of small farms. When the chickens come home to roost Fianna Fáil cannot bear the results.
The Minister should go back to Spain because he is not helping Irish industry.
I am calling Question No. 164.