asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his plans, if any, for the provision of a new industry in Birr, County Offaly.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are at present engaged in negotiations with an industrialist who is considering Birr as a location for a manufacturing project.

Is there any advance factory in existence in Birr?

No.

In view of the fact that there are advance factories in Counties Westmeath and Longford ready for occupation, perhaps the Minister would divert this particular industrialist to a place where there is already room for him?

I certainly will not. This is up to the industrialist himself.

That would be political suicide.

43.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate, in view of widespread local speculation, the prospects for a major new industry in Carlow.

The Industrial Development Authority are at an advanced stage of negotiation on two projects for Carlow one of which is relatively large. As details of these projects are confidential, this is all the information I can give at this stage.

I mentioned widespread speculation in my question. There was a report in the local paper last week of an interview in which it was stated that there is a very good chance of a continental industry being established in Carlow town which will employ approximately 5,000 people and that the IDA had almost reached a satisfactory conclusion in this regard. Can the Minister say if this report is correct? Can he not now say quite clearly whether this industry is coming to Carlow?

I have just given my reply. The Deputy is aware that he accompanied a deputation from Carlow which was received by both the Minister for Finance and myself in July last and the report which appeared in the local paper last week was pretty much a reiteration of what was conveyed to that open deputation at that time.

When will the Minister be in a position to announce a decision as regards this industry coming to Carlow? July is a long way back and there are many people unemployed.

Yes, but the Deputy will appreciate that in relation to an industry of the size we are talking about, it is not a question of clicking one's fingers and here it comes. The Deputy should realise that.

Question No. 44. We cannot discuss this question any longer.

The Deputy is interested in employment for the people of Carlow and the surrounding districts and when these statements are made we should have the facts here in the House.

I have stated the facts.

If these jobs cost as much as the jobs in Longford cost the industry will cost £12½ million.