asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the quantity of fire-clay and fire bricks imported in 1983; the quantity home manufactured; and the proposals there are to develop further their manufacture.

I am informed that the statistical information sought by the Deputy is not available as it is not classified separately by the Central Statistics Office. However, data on imports, including fire-clay and fire bricks, is contained in the tabular statement, which I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.

I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that they have no industrial proposal under consideration for assistance in respect of the expansion of production of the products in question.

Following is the statement:

I. Imports of clays (including fire-clays) in 1983

II. Imports of refractory (fire) bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory constructional goods in 1983.

Have the Minister's Department any comparisons between the quality of the material available here for manufacture of fire bricks and the imported article?

I have no information regarding the quality of different bricks. That is a very technical question and was not part of the original question. I will be happy to facilitate the Deputy by trying to get the information for him.

It is a question of the standard of the materials.

That was not part of the question asked. I will try to get the information for the Deputy.