asked the Minister for Agriculture if he intends to encourage projects such as the one at Lanesboro, County Longford, where waste heat from electricity generating stations is being used to grow tomatoes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My Department have given every encouragement, including financial aid under the farm modernisation scheme, to the Lanesboro glass-house project. It will continue to help in any practicable way open to it.

The question asks if the Minister intends to encourage projects such as that at Lanesboro. I am delighted that the Lanesboro project is a success. Because of this, is the Minister interested in encouraging such projects in other counties such as Wexford where we have the expertise and also where a generating station is sited?

First, my Department are very interested in ensuring that as far as possible this type of project will be extended to other areas. I would point out, however, that the Lanesboro project was not completely successful at the beginning and ran into difficulties, having many teething troubles. However, it seems to be getting off the ground all right now.

Would the Minister not agree that the Lanesboro project having now outgrown its teething problems, is such a success that it would be a headline for other projects throughout the country? Would he care to comment on that?

It is a very useful concept and it is to be hoped that in the near future when all the problems are ironed out the Lanesboro project could be used by groups of a similar interest to see if they could improve on its success.

(Limerick West): Having regard to the stiff competition facing our tomato growers from imports, particularly of early tomatoes, would his Department be prepared to encourage and aid the growers by way of grants and subsidies?

I have mentioned that the Lanesboro project seems to be a useful one. The Department are currently monitoring it on an on-going basis and if there are other similar projects which people have in mind, my Department will give them every help possible.

Have the Minister's Department any specific project in mind at present, since the one at Lanesboro has been a success? Is he also aware that energy costs are the biggest factor in the tomato growing industry? Obviously there could be a big saving here. Has the Minister a project in mind in any other part of the country, or are his Department interested at all? Is what he is saying all nonsense?

Anybody who understands the commitment of my Department to the Lanesboro project will know that we are very much behind the project.

But that was at a different time.

In reply to the other part of Deputy Byrne's question, I am not aware of other projects — at least none has been brought to my notice.

Would the Minister ask his Department to get down to business as it is only commonsense?

Yes, we will certainly get down to business.

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