asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the steps he proposes to take in view of the increase in the number of unemployed in the North Eastern Regional Development Organisation region covering Counties Cavan, Louth and Monaghan.

I am aware that unemployment in the north-east region has increased in recent years.

However, within the past three months a number of new industrial projects have been announced for the region. These include a new meat processing plant to be established by Ox-Fleisch Gmbh of West Germany in Carrickmacross, the successful take-over of Westinghouse in Dunleer by Glen Dimplex Group, the major expansion programme by castlebar Bacon Company Limited in Monaghan town and Co-operative Poultry Products in Cootehill and the new manufacturing venture by Town of Monaghan Co-op into yogurt and related dairy products. Irish Meat Exports Limited are continuing to expand in Coolshannagh, County Monaghan.

The Industrial Development Authority are promoting a total of 335,000 sq. ft. of factory space at nine locations in the region together with 231 acres at 17 locations for development of suitable small, medium and large industries.

The IDA will continue their efforts to promote these resources actively with a view to providing new employment opportunities in the region.

Does the Minister agree that a very serious situation exists in this area due to the measures introduced by this Government, especially taxation measures, over the last number of years? A special examination of this area has to be carried out not alone by the Minister's Department but by a number of other Departments as well.

We spent the first 15 minutes of Question Time yesterday discussing one of the Border towns. We had another question from the Deputy on another Border town subsequently. I think we have covered that subject very fully already.

The remaining Questions will appear on tommorrow's Order Paper.