asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a company (name supplied) was refused a grant to take over a shoe factory at Westport but was afterwards facilitated in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have been informed by the Industrial Development Authority that no proposal was received from the company referred to by the Deputy to take over a shoe factory at Westport. However, I understand that there are proposals from another company to reopen the Westport factory.