asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the action he and Government agencies are taking to see that further job losses are not incurred at Gentex (1975) Limited, Athlone; and the steps he is taking to safeguard the remaining jobs there.

The Industrial Development Authority and Fóir Teoranta have been in close contact with this firm for several months past about their difficulties and future development, and every effort is being made to help them to restructure and to minimise job losses. I understand that negotiations with the company have reached a stage which should enable a decision on State assistance to be made shortly.