asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy when the feasibility study regarding the establishment of an Irish smelter commenced; and when a final decision on this matter is likely to be reached.

16.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has received the report from the IDA and New Jersey Zinc on the establishment of a smelter; and, if so, when it is proposed to build a smelter in this country.

17.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the reason for the long delay in the completion and publication of the feasibility study regarding the establishment of an Irish smelter; and when he anticipates that this report will become available.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 16 and 17 together.

The detailed feasibility study of the zinc smelter project commenced in April 1977. It was recently finalised by the New Jersey Zinc Company and the completed study was received by the IDA from the company on 1 February. Examination of the study by the IDA and subsequent consideration of the study and an IDA report thereon in my Department will then be necessary. The projected date for the commencement of production, not later than the end of 1981, remains unchanged.

I am informed that the study will contain certain data and information relating to marketing strategy and production costs, the publication of which would not be in the best interests of the smelter. However, when final decisions have been taken I will review the question of publication with the other principals in the project.