Is the Minister aware of an industry being lost to Nenagh owing to very severe flooding in the new advance factory that was built there? Could he tell us what steps the IDA and SFADCo have taken to ensure that this type of building is not continued in the future? It is a disgrace when an industrialist is ready to take up occupation in a factory that it is not possible to do so because of flooding or some other reason.

The Deputy who put down this question is not here for the reply but he also put down a question on the matter the Deputy is referring to which I will be dealing with shortly.

Question No. 15 postponed.

16.

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he can now disclose the outcome of the investigation into the decision not to locate the El Fab factory at Lisboney Estate, Nenagh, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

On my direction, Shannon Development undertook, with the aid of a firm of engineering consultants, a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the flooding in January 1984 of the advance factory in Nenagh which was to house the El Fab project. This investigation has recently been completed and Shannon Development are now considering what further action to take. In the circumstances, I do not think it would be appropriate for me to make any further statement on the matter at this stage.

Would the Minister not go a little further and say that this type of building which was erected under the supervision of architects and engineers could turn out at the end of the day to be such a disaster as far as the incoming industrialist is concerned, that it will not be undertaken again? Is he not prepared to go further and say that the builders and other people involved in this operation will be struck off the IDA or SFADCo list to ensure that no recurrence will happen?

I have received and examined the report of the consultants. I studied this carefully and I made some observations that I think perhaps the scope of responsibility for this is slightly wider than the report I have received would indicate. I would prefer not to comment on this in the House because there is always the possibility that this might be the subject of litigation. I do not wish by saying that to indicate that it will. I am sure the Deputy appreciated that it is wiser not to go into detail, where such a possibility exists. However, I am very concerned about this matter. As soon as I heard about it I directed that this inquiry should be undertaken. Remedial measures have been taken in respect of this particular industry and I am reasonably hopeful that we will, as a result of those remedial measures, be able to get somebody to establish an industry there so all is not lost.

Will the Minister assure the House that responsibility for this lack of supervision of engineering, or for whatever reasons it was caused will be pinned and that action will be taken.

That was the purpose of the inquiry.

Is the Minister going to follow it up? Will we see action?

I will take appropriate action.

In a serious matter like that the person responsible should be dealt with immediately.

The Deputy is referring to particular consultants but there were many people involved in the matter. I do not want to be apportioning blame in any way by implication or otherwise at this stage.

17.