Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 8

Written Answers. - Alumina Imports.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

176 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the question of the increased importation of alumina to the Community from Russia was discussed at the EC General Affairs Council in Brussels on 3 February 1992; and if he has assessed, (1) the effect which the quadrupling of Russian imports of alumina since 1989 is having on the price of alumina in the Community and (2) the effect, if any, these imports will have on Aughinish Alumina Limited in Askeaton, County Limerick.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

I am informed that the question of the importation of alumina to the Community from Russia was not discussed at the EC General Affairs Council in Brussels on 3 February 1992 as suggested in the question. I am aware that, in combination with the ongoing world recession, increased imports from Russia have depressed prices for European producers of alumina. My officials will be discussing with the Irish company named what action, if any, can be initiated at Community level to address this problem.