asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total number of employees whose employment has been discontinued in Irish Steel Holdings; the reasons for the recent redundancies; and the prospects of these men as to future re-employment at Irish Steel Holdings.

I have been informed by the company that the number of workers laid off in recent months is approximately 200 due to a low demand for their products.

The company hopes to be in a position shortly to re-employ some of these workers but it must be appreciated that the prospects of future employment must depend on the revival of demand for the company's products in both the home and export markets.

Did the company indicate how many workers would be re-employed?

About 45.

45 out of 200?

It depends on market demand.