asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the future of export tax relief in Common Market conditions with reference to existing exporters and new export industries not yet in production.

I would refer the Deputy to the replies given to questions put to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on 28th October and 4th November, 1971—cols. 548-552 and col. 1141 of the Official Report of these dates.

Am I to take any hope from the Minister's reply that he will deal with the subject matter of the question?

I have referred the Deputy to replies given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I have given him the relevant references. These set out in detail the precise information he is seeking in his question.

Can the Minister let me know if there is any hope in the reply for the people concerned?

Yes. It is a very satisfactory position in my view.

Can the Minister indicate if there will be any change in conditions under the EEC?

I am afraid I do not follow the Deputy's question.

Can the Minister state if there will be any change in existing legislation or conditions of applications?

The existing system will continue unless and until there is a review by the Commission which find that any of our incentives contravene the requirements. If such a finding were to emerge, we have been guaranteed by the Community that what we substitute will be equally effective.

Can the Minister state when the results of the Commission's investigation will be made known to the Government?

Perhaps the Deputy did not hear me. I said "unless and until".

Is there any indication on the matter from the Commission?

No.