asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that as a result of short-time employment in the boot and shoe industry in Kilkenny a number of skilled workers have emigrated, and whether he has taken, or proposes to take, steps to alleviate this situation and to restore full-time employment in the industry.

I understand that the present short-time employment in the boot and shoe industry in Kilkenny is of a seasonal nature and that full-time employment will be restored in a matter of weeks.