asked the Minister for Justice if he will give a reassurance, considering that it is now 21 days since the kidnapping of Don Tidey, that everything possible is being done in his case; and whether he requires any extra temporary powers or resources from Dáil Éireann to assist him and the Garda in the case.
Private Notice Question. - Kidnap Investigation.
Limerick East): I am glad to give that reassurance. The Garda Síochána are putting very substantial resources into the investigation, as of course is fully justified by the type of crime involved. At this very moment the Garda are engaged in a particularly intensive but wide-ranging search in one region.
I do not think that this House is in a position to give any assistance, even indirectly, at this stage. I feel sure, however, that all Deputies would wish to join with me in again expressing great sympathy for the victim of this inhuman behaviour and for his family. I earnestly hope that their ordeal, which has already lasted for too long, will very soon be brought to a satisfactory end.
As spokesman on Justice for Fianna Fáil, I support the question of Deputy Brennan. I should like to let the Minister know that he has the full support of Fianna Fáil in his efforts to have Mr. Tidey returned to his family. The Minister will appreciate that we did not intervene before now so as not to interfere in any way with the Minister's efforts. We are deeply concerned.
I should like to ask on the Adjournment tonight if the Minister will confirm or otherwise whether there has been a decision on the Tuam sugar factory.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the problems of industrialists who have been approved for grant-aid by Údarás na Gaeltachta and who cannot get bridging finance from financial institutions.
I wish to raise on the Adjournment the question of finance for the dredging of Ballycotton harbour.
The Chair will communicate with Deputies.