asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) the capital moneys being made available to Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teo and (b) the present position regarding the employment of workers at Erin Foods, Carlow.

The amount of the additional capital investment to be made by the State in Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann Teoranta will be determined in the light of the report of consultants who have been engaged by me to carry out a fundamental examination of the company.

I understand from the company that the factory to which the Deputy refers will close this week and that agreement has been reached with workers concerned on arrangements for redundancy or for transfers to the sugar factory.