asked the Minister for Finance what is the position of beet growers in the Thurles area, consequent on the non-production of Thurles sugar factory.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply of the 25th November to his previous question regarding the Thurles factory. Since then I have been informed that manufacturing operations at the factory will be restarted on Monday next, 14th instant.

Would the Minister say whether or not the Fishery Board was responsible for the delay in starting manufacture in Thurles, or has any agreement been come to with the Fishery Board in this matter?

That, I think, is a question for the sugar company. I am merely getting this information for the Deputy by courtesy, and I think that if the Deputy will address his question to the company he will get an answer showing that the delay has been due to the low level of the water.

I do not think so.