asked the Minister for Indusry, Commerce and Tourism the plans he has for the development of lands purchased by the IDA at Ferrybank, County Kilkenny; if the IDA have any industries earmarked for this land; if there is any substance in the report that the IDA have sold this land; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are promoting their site at Ferrybank for a suitable industrial project requiring the special facilities which are available at this site.

The Authority have not sold any part of this site and have no plans to do so.

Have the Authority let this ground recently?

Yes. The Authority decided that the best way of utilising the ground until such time as industry is provided was to let it. They have adopted the practice of letting the land to the highest bidder. I understand that recently nine local farmers have been facilitated by getting a letting.

What was the cost of the letting? Were the lands advertised locally?

I do not have the figure for the cost of the letting but I will provide it for the Deputy. The normal practice where a Government or semi-State body are involved is that they advertise the lands for letting.

Is the Minister aware that the use to which most of these lands are put is contributing in a big way to the decline of employment in the meat processing industry?

I am not so aware. The IDA are doing everything possible to provide an industry at this site, which is an ideal location.

Is the Minister aware that the lands are being used for the purpose of holding large numbers of cattle that are exported through Waterford port? Surely it is an invidious position for the IDA to be seen to be co-operating in an operation of this kind? Would the Minister give the necessary authority to the IDA to decline the highest tender when it would not be in the interest of promoting employment but would cause unemployment?

I am not aware of what the Deputy is saying. I do not know if the IDA can interfere once they decide to let the land.

A final supplement.

Could the Minister give a breakdown of the land let to each holder? I am led to believe that smallholders have not had an opportunity to take this land this year. They have been outbid by a large operator who holds cattle on this land for export.

The person who got the letting this year decided not to go ahead with it and the IDA are now readvertising the land.