asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will make a statement on the events at the Raybestos dump in Ringaskiddy, County Cork, having regard to the serious reports emanating therefrom, in particular, having regard to the allegation that the IDA have not actively pursued efforts to acquire an acceptable alternative dump.

The Government issued a statement on this matter on 16 May and the IDA did likewise on 15 May. As already stated, the Government deplore the breaches of the law, including serious malicious damage, which have occurred at Ringaskiddy and the subsequent events including intimidation at Ovens. The Government wish the factory to continue to operate and will fully support the Raybestos Company in their stated determination to remain in operation at Ovens.

The allegation that the IDA have not actively pursued efforts to acquire an acceptable alternative dump is not correct. The position is that immediately after an agreement with the residents association on 7 December a site was identified. It is understood that the local authority have been carrying out a detailed technical assessment of this site.

Are there any indications that this particular site might be near Naad in one of the forestry mountainous areas of Cork? Is there any indication yet where that site is?

That site in Naad was discussed and the Cork County Council looked at it through their various committees but no decision was made.

Would the Minister not agree that it is an unsatisfactory situation whereby an industry of this nature commences without all the preliminary work having been clarified, thus giving rise to very considerable controversy?

The preliminary work was carried out.

Is the Minister not aware that although preliminary agreement had been reached and planning permission secured the developer concerned changed his mind in regard to the dump in question, opted for and got an alternative site and then ran into trouble?

The Government are aware that the various objections and complaints of residents in various areas have so far as possible been met by this developer and by the IDA. We are all aiming to get a consensus.

I accept that.