asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will comment on the report of the proposed establishment of a trade centre in Brussels; and if he will indicate whether or not the Government are subsidising it.

I am aware that a number of private Irish firms and organisations have opened or have under consideration the opening of offices in Brussels. There is no question of the Government subsidising such offices. Córas Tráchtála, of course, have had a trade promotion office in Brussels since February last.

Can the Minister say if Córas Tráchtála will be subsidising any of these firms?

Not that I know of.

Do Córas Tráchtála not get State grants?

That is not what Deputy O'Connell asked me. The Deputy asked if Córas Tráchtála would be subsidising Irish firms and I said I did not know.