asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement concerning the announcement of a proposal from a United States firm for the establishment of a furniture factory near Dublin.

By arrangement made with the representative in the United States of the Industrial Development Authority, the chairman of the company, mentioned in the Press reports, visited Dublin early in June of this year for a general discussion of industrial possibilities here. Certain information requested was subsequently supplied to him. No proposal for the establishment of a factory has yet been received by my Department or the Industrial Development Authority.

Needless to say, any sound proposals for a new industrial enterprise involving export will be welcomed.

Would the Minister say if Deputy Briscoe is getting jealous?

Question No. 18.

Deputy Briscoe may answer that himself.