asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position with regard to the postponed ALCAN smelter for Aughinish Island on the Shannon Estuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that there have been no further developments on the Alcan project for Aughinish since the company stated last December that it had postponed the start of construction because of the economic recession.

The company said then that it would review the situation in 12 months to 18 months. I hope that the company will then find it possible to go ahead with the project.