asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if the IDA advance factory in Kiltimagh, County Mayo has been rented to a suitable tenant to date, if so, when production will commence and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed by the IDA that while their 24,000 square feet advance factory in Kiltimagh will be ready for occupation at the end of this month, a suitable tenant has not yet been identified.

However, the IDA assure me that the factory is being vigorously promoted with a view to the location of a suitable industrial project there.

What would the Minister regard as a suitable industrial project in the context of the heavy unemployment in that area?

A project that will give employment in the area.

Employment for males or females?

A project that will give employment.

Concern has been expressed concerning the kind of project in this factory. There is heavy unemployment in the area and will the Minister assure the House that priority will be given to the creation of suitable employment there for male workers?

The Deputy must be aware that since January 1977, comparing it with January 1980, there has been an increase in employment of up to 33 per cent in the town. I will pass on the Deputy's comments to the IDA with regard to male employment in the area.

It is not a very large increase in employment in the context of overall numbers employed in the town.

7.