asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has made any progress in finding an alternative industry to replace the jobs of workers recently lost through redundancy in Dundrum, County Dublin; and if he will ensure that those workers will have an early option to work.

I am aware of and concerned about the redundancies which are occurring at Dundrum. I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that every effort is being made to secure a replacement project to locate in the area and that negotiations have commenced with a number of interested firms.

Could I urge on the Parliamentary Secretary the importance in this particular area of redundancy as these people have been employed by this firm for upwards of 17 to 20 years?

I am aware, as is the Minister, of the seriousness of the situation in Dundrum and I can assure him that the IDA are making every effort to secure a solution to the problem which exists there.

(Dublin Central): Not very successfully.