asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he has any proposals in his Department for industrial development at Cahirciveen, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority is according priority to the industrial development of Cahirciveen and that a member of the IDA Regional Office in Cork has been given specific responsibility for the development of the South Kerry area.

A 10,500 square feet advance factory has recently been constructed in Cahirciveen. This factory and the recently vacated Tricots de Luxe Phillips factory are being actively promoted for suitable industry. A further four acres are available for industrial development in the town and consideration will be given to the purchase of additional land and to the provision of a further advance factory should this be necessary.

Is the Minister aware of the very grave unemployment situation in Cahirciveen where two factories closed recently? Is the Minister now saying that he has no positive proposals for Cahirciveen?

We are well aware of the situation. In October a deputation from Cahirciveen met Mr. Killeen of the IDA to discuss the matter. The Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, met the ITGWU deputation on 28 October also. There are negotiations going with people concerned but I shall not divulge the names.

Is the Minister saying that he has a positive proposal for an industry in Cahirciveen — the answer is yes or no?

The answer is that there are positive negotiations taking place.

I think the Minister does not care.

He does.

I think he has no interest.