Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telecommunications Dispute.
- Telecommunications dispute and IDA promotion 7 speeches
The Minister said the dispute harmed IDA promotion but only four of 45 planned industrialist visits were cancelled, and the agency still expected to meet its job-approval target. He had no evidence firms abandoned investments because of the dispute; O’Donnell urged a lasting settlement, warning further disruption could have serious effects.
Thomas G. O'Donnell, Ray Burke, Joseph Brennan
- Minister’s absence from Question Time 6 speeches
Kelly challenged the Minister’s limited attendance; the Minister of State said he was on IDA business in Germany and Switzerland. The Ceann Comhairle ruled that repeated questions about a Minister’s presence were out of order and moved Question Time on.
John M. Kelly, Ray Burke, Joseph Brennan
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the likely effects of the telecommunications dispute on the overseas promotion work of the IDA.
Comment on this
The telecommunications dispute was, of course, damaging to the overseas promotion work of the IDA. However, only a very small number of planned visits by overseas industrialists has been cancelled, and present indications are that the IDA's target this year for job approvals in manufacturing industry will be met.
Comment on this
Will the Minister indicate if decisions were taken by a number of firms not to proceed with the establishment of industries here because of the telecommunications dispute? If that is the case, what is the estimated number of jobs lost?
Comment on this
They are not the facts before me. For example, the practical effects of the telecommunications and airline strikes on visits of overseas industrialists are that out of a total of 45 itineraries only four visits were cancelled. We have no information to connect those figures——
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware of the recent disruption in the international telephone system? Further, is he aware that any escalation in this area will have disastrous consequences for areas that are the responsibility of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy? Will he urge on the Minister the desirability and urgency of using his influence in the Cabinet to get decisions——
Comment on this
——on a formula that will resolve permanently this prolonged telecommunications dispute?
Comment on this
Will the Minister follow the precedent which he created on the last occasion by having the courtesy to tell the House where the Minister is at the moment?
Comment on this
He has been present in the House to answer questions on four occasions since the election, and the Minister of State present has been here seven times——
Comment on this
It is not in order to continously raise questions about the Minister's presence or that of any other Deputy.