asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that An Foras Tionscal have rejected a recent proposal sponsored by County Leitrim Development Association for the establishment of a clothing factory designed to relieve local unemployment in Drumshanbo and have given no reason for their decision; and whether in view of the unprecedented rate of emigration from County Leitrim and the lack of opportunities for employment, An Foras Tionscal will reconsider the proposal.

I fully appreciate the concern of the Co. Leitrim Development Association to attract sound industrial activities to the area and I wish to stress my willingness to assist in every way possible towards achieving that objective. The making of grants for industries is, however, the function of An Foras Tionscal, which is an autonomous body, and I have no function in relation to decisions taken by An Foras Tionscal on applications for grants.

Is it not a fact that the Minister is responsible for switching an industry from the west of Ireland up to Monaghan, his new constituency?

The Deputy is talking nonsense.

The Minister's own Party maintain that the Minister is responsible for getting this industry for Monaghan.

It is very laughable.

You took up all the railway lines.

You did not use it when you had it.

The Parliamentary Secretary was the only customer for the Gaelic League Hall.

Will Deputies please allow Questions to proceed?