asked the Minister for Finance if any application for State assistance has been received from the Portumna Pig Co-operative Society; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

The question of assisting the development of this and other pig fattening co-operative societies in East-Galway is at present being examined by the Central Development Committee as part of a study of such co-operatives in the west generally. An application for a loan to the society has been received by the Agricultural Credit Corporation and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are examining a proposal that a State guarantee be given for this loan.