asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the up-to-date position regarding an American company taking over Kingdom Tubes factory in Tralee, County Kerry.

I understand from the Industrial Development Authority that representatives of an American company have recently visited Tralee in connection with a possible take-over of the assets of Kingdom Tubes with a view to resumption of manufacturing there.

Arising from their visit to Tralee, representatives of the American company have not, so far, put forward any firm proposals for the take-over of the assets. However, the IDA are maintaining close contact with them and with other interested parties.

Did the Minister say there were not firm proposals for the assets of Kingdom Tubes?

No firm proposals, but I am hopeful that we will see firm proposals in the very near future, although I cannot say that definitely.