asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will give details of all applications pending in his Department for permission to import built-up cars stating the dates on which the applications were received; and when decisions are likely to be made in respect of each such application, if any.

My Department has at present before it two applications for permission for the commercial importation of fully built-up motor vehicles from Japan. For reasons of confidentiality it would not be appropriate to give details of the applications. I can say that both applications relate to the importation of vehicles of third country origin otherwise than on the basis of assembly in Ireland of the make of vehicle to be imported, and thus they raise implications for the special agreed arrangements for the motor vehicle assembly industry. I have not yet had an opportunity of considering all aspects of these applications and at this stage I am not in a position to indicate when decisions on them are likely to be taken.

Having regard to the fact that if those applications were granted it would reduce further the level of employment in that already diminishing industry here and throw skilled labour on to the scrap heap will the Minister assure the House that the applications will not be granted so that employment in the industry is preserved?

Two applications are before me but no decision has been made on them. I will bear the views of the Deputy in mind.

I recognise that the Minister of State is not in a position to give us details of the applications which might have commercial implications for the people concerned but I should like to know if he can tell the House the number of cars involved in both applications?

I do not have that information in my brief. It would be a matter for negotiation.

Surely the applications would have to be in the form of seeking permission to import some specific number of fully built-up vehicles? I suggest that the information is somewhere in the Minister's brief.

It is not in my brief but I am familiar with the applications and I can tell the Deputy that I do not have any figure in my mind in regard to the applications. That is a matter for negotiation.

Can the Minister say whether the nature of the applications is such that if they were granted the type of vehicle being imported would be in competition with local interests and might thereby affect employment in the assembly of similar type, size, style and cost vehicles being assembled here?

The matter is confidential and, obviously, I would not like another Talbot situation to arise. I am sure the Deputy appreciates my concern in that regard. As the applications must be dealt with on the basis of confidentiality the Deputy will appreciate why I do not wish to discuss it further.

I find it difficult to believe that two people have approached the Department and applied to import an unspecified number of vehicles. I cannot see how such an application can be considered. Does the Minister know if the applications are to import tens, hundreds or thousands of cars? I must press the Minister to give the House this information. Will the Minister agree that it is extraordinary for two firms to approach his Department in such an unspecified manner?

The Leader of the Opposition is aware of the outcome of the Talbot case and he is also aware that the importation of fully built-up units is a matter for negotiation between applicants and the Department. Set figures have not been discussed in either case.

In the case of Talbot there was a specific number of vehicles.

If we are to reform the Dáil we need to have an honest Question Time.

10.