asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware that the Clubman shirt factory at St. Johnston, County Donegal has been forced to close with the loss of 45 jobs; and whether he has any proposals to reopen the factory to be used as formerly or to use it for new industry.

The position regarding the premises in question cannot be considered in isolation from that of the company's larger shirt factory in Buncrana.

As the Deputy is no doubt aware the present company were formed in 1980 to take over a long established business which was then in receivership and in danger of closing down with substantial job losses.

I understand that in the reorganisation of the business following the take-over, it was considered necessary thenceforth to concentrate the manufacturing operations in the Buncrana factory. As a result, manufacturing at the St. Johnston premises was discontinued in September 1980, and the premises have since been used by the company as a warehouse.

I am not aware at this stage, of any proposals for the resumption of manufacturing operations at the St. Johnston premises. The formulation of any such proposals would be a matter for the company.