andMr. Horgan asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of proposals to close Donnelly (Dublin) Ltd.; and if he will take steps to avert any such closure.

I understand that this decision has been taken by Clover Meats Ltd. in the context of a rationalisation programme. While I cannot intervene in a commercial decision of this nature, the Minister for Labour and I met representatives of the management and the workers recently to discuss the matter. It would appear, however, that there is little alternative to closure of the factory if the overall viability of the Clover Group is to be safeguarded.

Is the Minister saying, effectively, that if Clover Meats Ltd. decide to close its factory there is nothing the Government can do about it?

I am afraid that is the situation. The main concern here is to protect the overall viability of the Clover Group, which employs in the region of 1,000 persons at present. There is very little the Government can do to safeguard the jobs of the 200 workers employed in this factory. I understand that there is a possibility that 30 or 40 of those workers may be absorbed in the other factories operated by this company.

After an examination of the situation have the Government come to the same conclusion as Clover Meats about the viability of this part of their operation?

The Government have commissioned the IDA to prepare a report on the situation. They have also authorised the Agricultural Credit Corporation to make certain moneys available on loan to the company to help them get over the situation they find themselves in.

I should like to know if the IDA report and the loans are, effectively, unconnected with the decision to close Donnellys? Are they related to the ongoing activities of the company rather than to the decision to close this branch of the company?

They have a bearing on the decision of the company to close the branch referred to.