Can the Minister say what the prospects are for expansion in the existing timber processing factories under his aegis, one of which is in my constituency, with a view to the provision of more employment?

It is a very real problem at the moment but it is only short-term. The long-term situation with regard to timber processing is good but at the moment there is a certain Third World dumping within the Community from countries like Sweden which is causing problems all through the Community and it is reflected in our problems in Munster Chipboard, in Scariff and in Athy. We are committed to support the timber processing industry and we have done so in a very practical way in Athy already.

In what way?

Financially.

What steps have been taken to stop this dumping?

The steps have been taken at Community level and we have taken a very positive part in pushing this.