asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the number of idle advance factories in County Cork; and if the IDA will rent them as warehouses to suitable clients.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they have seven advance factories and five cluster units vacant in County Cork. In addition there are three factories and ten cluster units provided by private developers which are available to IDA. Five of these factories have been reserved for specific industrial projects.

I appreciate the Deputy's interest in the possibility that revenue might be secured from renting vacant factory premises. However, the availability of these factories is a very important element of the IDA's incentive package and it is essential that these factories remain available to the IDA for promotion to visiting industrialists. The Deputy will understand the serious problems which could arise for the IDA — and, indeed, for the temporary tenant — if a factory rented as a warehouse were urgently required to locate a manufacturing enterprise in it.

Is the Minister aware that from time to time importers get offers and they have not got the accommodation to store the goods? I am very interested in this area. A number of people have approached me about this matter.

The Deputy raised this matter with me already. I am prepared to have a look at it, but I would be very reluctant to make a change in the existing practice for the reasons I have given.

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