asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the proposals with his Department to create jobs in the Enniscorthy area of County Wexford.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are at an advanced stage of negotiation with an overseas company who are interested in locating in Enniscorthy. In addition, six small industry projects for the area, with a potential to create 39 jobs, were approved for grant assistance by the IDA during 1981.

The IDA also own two sites for industrial development, totalling 23 acres of land, in Enniscorthy. It is proposed that the local Development Association will construct a 7,000 square feet advance factory on one of these sites.

Is the Minister aware that, regarding the project he refers to in connection with overseas investment and which is located at Edermine in Enniscorthy, I was informed at top level in the IDA that the grant was sanctioned by the previous Government in November last and that it was expected to be signed, sealed and delivered in January? When that did not happen I was given an assurance that the company concerned, Searle, would go ahead in April. Now, in the middle of May, we are still getting these bland assurances that something is coming. Is the Minister aware of that situation? Will the Minister explain why the proposed 470 jobs have not been announced publicly?

I am aware of the situation that the Deputy has referred to. The grant offer was approved and it is with the company. We are awaiting a response from the company as to when they will decide to proceed. It is just another example of the reflection of lack of confidence in the Irish economy for investment that has been here for some time and is in America in particular.

Will the Minister give an indication as to when this will take place? Is the Minister aware that the Enniscorthy Urban Council, bearing in mind that there are 1,300 unemployed in the town, have requested him to receive a deputation? Is the Minister aware that his predecessor agreed to receive such a deputation and will the Minister give a commitment on the time span for the project? When will he meet the Enniscorthy deputation?

As soon as we get definite news from the company about advancing the project I will be only too delighted to announce the details. In relation to the request to me to receive a deputation, that matter will be dealt with in the normal way. Since I took office I have met as many deputations as possible bearing in mind the time constraints on me. We will certainly accommodate the Deputy in that respect.

13.