asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present position regarding negotiations for the taking over and reopening of the mills section of the former National Board and Paper Mills factory, Waterford.

Negotiations are still in progress in connection with a take-over and reopening of the mill section of this plant.

Is it true that the company who showed the greatest interest in taking over this mill section have now withdrawn that interest?

No.

Are they still involved?

Yes.

Is the Minister hopeful that they or some other company will actually take over this section?

I am hopeful that the company who have been involved in fairly lengthy negotiations will in fact take it over but I cannot be certain of that.

So recent reports to the contrary in the newspapers are incorrect?

I would think they are.

29.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present position regarding negotiations for the taking over and reopening of the Munster Chipboard factory Waterford.

Negotiations for the take-over of the factory are at an advanced stage.

We were told by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry four months ago that they were at an advanced stage. How soon would the Minister anticipate that they would be concluded?

If all goes well they should be concluded in a matter of weeks.