asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the steps he proposes to take to reopen a company, details supplied, in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I share the concern, implicit in the question, concerning the closure of this company. I can assure the Deputy that the relevant State agencies, in close co-operation with the receiver, are actively pursuing the possibilities of securing a takeover project which would result in a resumption of production at the Waterford factory.

Is the Minister aware there were further lay-offs in that industry last week? Is the Minister aware that the remaining employees are concerned about the future of the industry?

A receiver was appointed in 1982 and following that the parent company in Canada went into receivership. The IDA, in close co-operation with Fóir Teoranta and the receiver, are actively seeking a company to take over the concern. There is a problem in regard to the licence to produce the laser boats at the factory. That is a complicating factor but I can assure the Deputy that everything is being done to get another concern to take over.

Due to the fact that the factory is located in west Waterford, a depressed area as far as employment is concerned, will the Minister give this matter urgent attention? There is a lot of unrest in that area.

Is the Deputy confusing this with the subject matter of the previous question?

We cannot return to the previous question.

If the Deputy approaches me later about those cases I will give him the information at my disposal.