asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is satisfied that the terms of the agreement concerning Clondalkin Paper Mills are being honoured; and if the proposals regarding the number of people to be employed there will be met.

11.

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of people employed at Clondalkin Paper Mills; and the type of work involved.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.

I am satisfied that the terms of the agreement regarding Clondalkin Paper Mills are being honoured. I am aware of no development which will affect the employment figures which I announced for this project on 16 November last.

There are six people directly employed at Clondalkin Paper Mills at present. These workers are engaged in care, maintenance and the recommissioning of plant.

That reply is slightly out of date and paper conversion commenced at Clondalkin yesterday.

Six workers are employed on care and maintenance, but the Minister did not answer my question. If paper conversion started yesterday how many people are employed now?

Paper conversion started yesterday and it is planned that the employment level will be 35 one month after start off, that is within one month of yesterday.

Is that the agreed number?

Yes.

Is that the total projected employment of the project? Is there nothing else on the cards? Will there be 35 employees and no more?

Is this for the premises or for Clondalkin generally.

For Clondalkin Paper Mills as taken over by that company.

The rest of the mill is being held available for this company as part of the deal so that if viability is proved within the relevant period they could use the rest for paper-making. There is no question of bringing another person into the mill premises at this stage.

How long will the rest of the mill be kept for this company?

A nine month period has been provided during which an assessment can take place on the basis of experience in the paper conversion area of the viability prospects of the fuller paper-making operation, in which it is the wish of the company, if circumstances are right, to engage.

12.