asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will make a statement on the proposed joint venture between Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta and Imperial Chemicals Industries; if he will explain the advantages of such a proposal; and if he is prepared to guarantee that the farming community will be supplied with adequate fertiliser from the plants and that the jobs of the people employed will not be put at risk because of this proposal.
Written Answers. - Fertiliser Production.
574.
Preliminary discussions have taken place between Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta and Imperial Chemicals Industries with a view to exploring the possibility of joint co-operation between the two companies. I have informed Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta that the discussion may proceed with the objective of securing the company's future viability with a view to protecting the future employment of its workforce. The interest of all parties concerned, including the farming community, will be fully borne in mind in the discussions which will also aim at maximising returns to the Exchequer thus reducing the contingent liability on the taxpayer for NET's debts.