asked the Taoiseach if he recently met a deputation from Dingle regarding the proposed closure of a factory (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will now confirm that the factory will stay open.

I met a deputation from Dingle on November 25 last representing the employees of Leodata Teo and the local community. Measures are at present being examined for the purpose of maintaining in Dingle the employment provided by Leodata.

Is the Taoiseach aware that members of the deputation are now saying that he assured them that this factory would be kept open? Is that true?

I assured them I would do everything in my power to keep the employment in Dingle and I intend to do that.

So there is no foundation for anybody saying that the Taoiseach told them this factory would stay open?

Like the airport in Letterkenny.

My recollection of the meeting, which was very friendly, constructive and co-operative, is that I assured the delegation that I would do everything in my power to make sure the factory would be kept open and provide employment there. I am almost certain I assured them I was very confident of the outcome.

Is the Taoiseach now telling the House that he has no positive proposal to keep the factory open?

I am not saying anything of the sort. We have a number of very positive proposals under active examination at present.

I do not doubt that.

Sour grapes.

We must move on to the next question.

My apologies but the Leader of the Labour Party distracted me for a moment.

He will be doing a lot of that during the year.

He is a bit distracted himself these days.