asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has any proposals for the provision of employment in the Ballynacargy and Multyfarnham districts, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

I assume that the question relates to proposals for the establishment of new industries. As the Deputy will appreciate, the establishment of industries is mainly a matter for private enterprise and local initiative. There are not at present any proposals of this character for the districts named but if a sound proposal is put forward it will be given every possible encouragement and assistance.