There is chronic unemployment in the area, particularly in the Derry-Strabane region where it has been emphasised that an industrial zone should be set up. Information on this matter has been given to the Minister by eminent people from the North. Has the Minister any information from the IDA or other State agencies that a move is being made to set up some of the necessary structures?

The next question relates to an industrial zone. I would point out that there is a price tag on all these proposals and I have stated that current financial circumstances must be taken fully into account. It is not a question of issuing an open cheque so that all these things could be implemented this year.

There seems to be a lack of co-ordination between Government Departments. Would the Minister agree that a junior Minister should be appointed to operate these schemes or else that a Smurfit-type approach should be adopted entirely outside a Government Department?

The allocation of responsibilities to Ministers is not a matter for the Minister for Foreign Affairs but rather for the Taoiseach. I do not accept that there has been a lack of co-ordination. There has been fairly general acceptance by all Government Departments of the necessity to do something in the Border region but the speed and the priority of implementation of the proposals are other matters.