asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if the IDA are proceeding with the provision of incubator type factories in association with the third level colleges (universities, regional technical colleges and NIHEs) as provided for in this year's Book of Estimates.

There is no specific reference in the Book of Estimates for the provision of incubator type factories in third level colleges.

I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are actively pursuing a policy for the provision of incubator type factories in conjunction with a number of third level educational institutions throughout the country. The first of these units is currently nearing completion at University College, Galway, where eight units totalling 6,500 square feet are being provided. All of these units have been reserved for new projects approved by the IDA.

Discussions are currently proceeding between the IDA and a number of other third level colleges for the provision of similar facilities in other areas of the country.

Did I hear the Minister correctly to say that there was no provision this year?

No specific reference, but they are going ahead without specific provision in the Estimates.

Why did the Minister incorporate that line in his reply at all? Either there is provision or there is not. If there is provision, as I know there is, because that is why I asked the question——

They can go ahead; they do not need specific provision.

Do they not need specific provision?

They do not need specific provision. They can go ahead without it.

That is the point. I do not see the reason for this reference.

Sometimes there are matters in ministerial answers for which there is no reason.

15.