asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the plans, if any, which exist for the development of forestry as an industry capable of providing substantial employment.

Under the on-going State afforestation programme, employment is provided for some 2,700 workers. Moreover, following a detailed joint study carried out by the IDA and the Forest and Wildlife Service, a mediumterm plan for industrial development, based on produce of the State forest, was published by the IDA last July in a comprehensive document entitled "Developing the Timber Industry for the 80s". I am informed that a copy of this publication is available in the Library. I understand that the plan, which embraces both the pulpwood and sawmilling sectors, is being implemented by the IDA.

15.