andMr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the steps, if any, that have been taken to provide an industry for the advance factory at Gorey, County Wexford.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that during the past 12 months or so 12 promoters have visited the IDA's eightand-a-half acre site in Gorey on which a 24,000 sq. ft. advance factory has recently been constructed. To date no proposals have emerged as a result of these visits.

I am assured by the authority that they will continue and intensify their efforts to secure a new industry for this factory.

Is the Minister aware that there is a very serious situation in Gorey at present, in which Irish Leathers are proposing to close down a factory employing 200. Has the Minister any proposals for the extension of this 24,000 square feet advance factory in Gorey? Further is he aware of the serious situation obtaining there at present?

I am aware of this unfortunate problem in Gorey which has been caused not through any lack of management or mismanagement by Irish Leathers, or by any lack of effort on the part of the workers of Irish Leathers. Rather it has been caused by the decision of three countries in South America who have upset the whole historic trade in hide and leather around the world. It has damaged traditional Irish leather markets.

The Departments of Industry, Commerce and Energy and Labour are taking every possible action to sort out the problem. As a Government we have supported the European Leather Confederation in their approaches to the EEC. We have had representations made at permanent representative level of the EEC. There will be a further meeting on Monday, and on Tuesday I will be following this matter up with the director-general of the appropriate EEC sector. The Government have been trying to assist this company through an employment maintenance subsidy in respect of all their employees. This runs to about £200,000 a year. The Deputy can be assured that the Government are aware of the problems in Gorey and that they are doing everything they can not only to have existing works maintained but to have a suitable promoter for the 24,000 square feet factory.

Is there a proposal with the IDA to have the factory space extended for an incoming industry?

The Deputy can be assured that I will pass on his comments to the IDA.

Deputy Allen should come into the House more often.

When the Deputy has been here as long as Deputy Allen he might be able to talk.