asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the present position regarding the closure of a factory (details supplied) in Castlerea, County Roscommon; the number of jobs lost; and the steps taken to rescue the project.

: Despite considerable efforts by the IDA to have it taken over as a going concern, this company went into voluntary liquidation on 24 January 1983 with the loss of 14 jobs.

Since then the Industrial Development Authority have been actively seeking a replacement project for the factory. At present the authority are at an advanced stage in negotiations to that end with an overseas company.

: I would ask the Minister to do everything possible in respect of the Castlerea area where there are so few job opportunities. I wish the Minister and the IDA every success in securing these new job opportunities. As Deputy for that area I will lend all the support I can to ensure the reopening of that factory.

: Arising out of the Deputy's good wishes, he can be assured that my Department and the IDA will do all in their power to have the factory taken over as soon as possible.

10.