asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there are any proposals to form a crab processing factory in Carndonagh, County Donegal; and, if so, when a decision will be taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crab Processing Factory.
15.
I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that there is no proposal before it for a crab processing factory in Carndonagh.
Is the Minister aware that some time ago, when a similar question to this was tabled, he indicated that there were inquiries and some outside firm was interested? In view of the fact that nothing has come of that will the Minister now reconsider his previous action of preventing Ceimicí Teoranta, who had already successfully engaged in this enterprise, from proceeding with it? Will he now give them permission to re-engage in this industry?
When I came into office I inherited the decision which was adverse to the continuation by Ceimicí Teoranta. I accepted that decision on the basis that if a factory there were proceeded with it would constitute a threat to an existing factory and existing employment. That seemed to me to be a good and sensible reason at the time. I will certainly have the matter looked at again but unless there are new circumstances which would remove the threat to other existing employment then I think it unlikely that I would reverse upholding the decision which I upheld.
May I ask the Minister to check if the statement he made that he inherited the decision is correct?
I do not need to check because it is correct.
Does the threat to an existing industry now exist? My information is that the existing industry, to which this was a threat, is about to discontinue operations.
I do not think we are in the season. I understand the particular operation was continuing to November, which is the end of the season. I have undertaken to have the matter looked at and if there is a change in the circumstances I think that would justify a change in the decision.