asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will make a statement on the reported new British "Economic Development Scheme" and its likely impact in Irish industry.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Employment Development Scheme which the United Kingdom Government has submitted to the EEC Commission.

I understand that this scheme is under examination by the Commission. Pending the outcome of this examination and the settlement of the contents of such a scheme if approved, it would not be possible to assess its likely impact on Irish industry.