asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report, Weekly Industry and Society No. 40/75, Brussels of 18th November, 1975; whether the table on top of page 3 which indicates that Ireland is the only country in Europe which incurred no capital expenditure in the iron and steel industry in Europe is correct; and if so, why.
Written Answers. - Iron and Steel Industry.
131.
I have seen the report referred to in the question. The table on page 3 is correct in showing no investment in the iron and steel industry in Ireland in 1973, 1974 and 1975.
Irish Steel Holdings Limited are the only Irish undertaking which would be included in these statistics. The most recent capital expenditure by this company was in 1972 when they completed an interim development plan involving the installation of an electric arc furnace. The company are at present finalising a plan for further development and I expect this to be submitted for my approval shortly.