Deputy Owen raised a number of issues. We have not placed a time limit on requests we have made to the Competition Authority or the companies division. Thirteen investigations are taking place at the moment and very able officials in the Department and the various agencies are involved in all of them. The Competition Authority will report as quickly as possible and if there is a long delay we will follow the matter up. We are very pleased that the issue is to be investigated. Deputies Owen and Higgins raised the question of staff. Extra staff has been allocated. I am assured that staff numbers are satisfactory and I expect the staff to proceed with the various tasks they have been assigned.
It is for the Moriarty tribunal to decide what it investigates at any time. I expect it will examine this issue but we cannot direct it to do so. If the tribunal decides not to proceed with an investigation into Glen Ding, another decision must be taken.
Deputy Daly raised the importation of cement. The ban on the importation of cement was lifted in 1962 to assist the construction industry and the economy in general, to stimulate economic growth and to create competition. Although the ban has been lifted for almost 40 years we import only 5% of our cement requirements. Much imported cement comes from Northern Ireland so that the amount of cement coming from outside the island of Ireland is small. Some bulk cement is imported and demand is greater at some times of the year than at others.
I am aware of the Moneypoint situation. Efforts have been made in the past to do technical research and other work to make the greatest use of the ash. I do not have detailed knowledge of this matter because it is not in my area of responsibility but I believe that potential exists. The Deputy may wish to pursue this matter with Moneypoint, SFADCo, the ESB and CRH. The Department will give him any support it can. Resources are available for research and development in this area.
I am aware of the Glangevlin situation and I concur with what Deputy Boylan has said about the stability of prices in the cement and concrete products industry. Prices have risen at less than the rate of inflation. This is due to competition in the industry and special tribute must be paid to the many smaller manufacturing outlets in the industry which keep a stabilising influence on it. I examined Glangevlin and listened to submissions from Deputy Boylan and others when I was Minister of State with responsibility for energy. The licence is up for renewal and new applications can now be accepted. That is a matter for the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. I presume he will take a decision in the best interest of maximising the economic value of the resources and sustaining the gypsum industry. I am sure Deputy Boylan will communicate with the Minister if he wishes.