asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action he proposes to take to ensure that a substantially greater percentage of machinery used on farms is home manufactured.

I would refer the Deputy to a reply which I gave to a similar question by him on 16th December last. As I explained then, only a limited range of agricultural machinery is manufactured in this country.

For many years past I have taken a special interest in this particular industry and the various State agencies have, on my insistence, been endeavouring to widen the range of products made here and to improve their quality. I will continue to explore all possible means to promote and assist the development of the industry.