asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if, with the revival of zinc prices on the world market, there is any change in the prospects for the proposed zinc smelter.

Discussions are continuing with a number of companies about participation in the zinc smelter project. These discussions have been influenced in a positive way by the trend in recent months in the price of zinc metal. It should be recalled, however, that, disregarding inflation, zinc prices have only now returned to the level of two years ago and that there is no agreement among experts as to whether the recent trend of price increases will continue in the future.

I should know this, but would the Minister say what stage has the IDA application in respect of Ballylongford reached?

This is slightly different from the information sought in the question. It was lodged with the Kerry County Council about two months ago and I cannot say for certain if the application for outline planning permission has been granted. It possibly has been by now.

Two months is the limit period. Would it apply in this case?

The normal law would apply. If additional particulars were asked for, the two months would run from the date on which the further particulars were given.