Dáil Éireann - Volume 126 - 18 July, 1951

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Industry.

Mr. Reidy Mr. Reidy

Mr. Reidy asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement regarding the future development of the cement industry, with due regard to the proposed extension of the factory at Mungret, near Limerick.

Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass

1802

[1802] Mr. Lemass: I am at present considering this question and I hope to be in a position to make a statement on it at an early date.

Mr. Hickey Mr. Hickey

Mr. Hickey: Is the Minister aware that for the past two years we have imported 387,000 tons of cement, for which we have paid over £2,000,000? What is wrong that we cannot exercise more control over the cement factories in this country?

Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass

Mr. Lemass: The Deputy misunderstands the position. The existing factories are working to maximum capacity.

Mr. Hickey Mr. Hickey

Mr. Hickey: I know they are, but what is wrong that we cannot exercise sufficient control to make them produce enough cement to meet our requirements?

Mr. Lemass Mr. Lemass

Mr. Lemass: I do not think the question should be addressed to me. I think it is a disgraceful situation.

Mr. Hickey Mr. Hickey

Mr. Hickey: I addressed the question to the previous Government and I am now addressing it to the present Government. We are like trespassers in our own country.

Mr. McGrath Mr. McGrath

Mr. McGrath: We did not have the election soon enough.

Mr. Hickey Mr. Hickey

Mr. Hickey: I cannot see any change.

Dáil Éireann 126 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Cement Industry.

Questions

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