asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what progress has been made towards the establishment of a milk-processing industry in Tipperary town.

The co-operative societies in the Tipperary area and the Dairy Disposal Company have been continuing their discussions about the provision of additional milk-processing facilities in the area but I understand that final decisions have not yet been taken by the parties. I have indicated that the necessary licence for a cheese factory will be granted if the societies and the Company decide to proceed with a proposal being considered to establish such a factory.