asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism, in view of the serious employment situation in Clones, County Monaghan, the steps that are being taken to secure industries for the factory cluster units.

I am informed that the Industrial Development Authority are actively promoting their 3 × 3,300 sq. ft. cluster units and four acres of land in Clones, County Monaghan, for suitable small industry projects.

I would point out that the overall level of manufacturing employment in Clones has been maintained over the past three years.

Is the Minister aware that the EEC Social and Economic Committee which visited that area last year said that Clones required rehabilitation and that it was an area very badly in need of attention? The Minister said he looked at this area in the overall context, but would he agree that such areas which are black spots as far as industry and development are concerned, require special attention?

On 29 April 1983 there were 337 unemployed in Clones. On 27 April 1984 that figure had fallen to 322, which was against the national trend where there has been more than a 13 per cent growth in unemployment.