asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his Department will make inquiries with a view to effecting the commencement of production in the new factory at Gurteenbeha, Kanturk, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed that the factory at Gurteenbeha, Kanturk, was constructed by a co-operative society for a project to manufacture stainless steel valves but that initial production of the valves is being carried out by the promoters at their existing premises at Charleville.

I understand that the promoters are at present examining their future development plans and that a decision on activities at Gurteenbeha will be taken in the context of these plans.