asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the current situation regarding the Fieldcrest Project for Kilkenny.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that the necessary preparations are proceeding and that the construction of the factory is expected to start towards the end of the present year.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary give any indication as to the reasons for the long lapse of time between the official launching of the project in September of last year and the projected start of work towards the end of this year? Would he indicate what were the reasons for the delay?

There were a number of reasons for the delay. There was some problem in relation to a loan application to the European Investment Bank. There was some concern about the overall capacity of European industry in this area. There was a question as to whether the Fieldcrest product would create or aggravate over-capacity. There was a problem also in relation to a joint effluent disposal plant with Smithwicks Brewery. I understand these problems have now been resolved to the satisfaction of Fieldcrest and they are now proceeding. I gather full production will not be reached significantly later than it would otherwise have been.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary assuring the House work will definitely start before the end of this year?

The Deputy will appreciate this is a private industrial development and I cannot give assurances of that nature in relation to a private industrial development. Having regard to the type of industrial promotion here, that cannot be done. I have no indication of any obstacles being placed in the way of the normal process of the development of this plant from now on.

The Parliamentary Secretary will agree it is remarkably slow in getting off the ground.

I would not agree.