asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the active steps he is taking to secure a replacement industry for Gentex (1975), Ltd., in Athlone.

15.

asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has studied all events surrounding the closure of Gentex (1975), Ltd., and the subsequent loss of jobs and if he will make a statement on the matter.

This company, which had been experiencing serious trading losses for some years, went into liquidation in July of this year. The IDA's overseas offices have been circulated with particulars of the plant in an effort to secure its takeover. The IDA are also in contact with the liquidator for the same purpose. So far these efforts have not proved successful, but they will be continued.

It is also to be regretted that the closure has resulted in significant job losses in the Athlone area but I am satisfied that all efforts possible are being made to secure a replacement project. The Deputy will realise, of course, that in the case of any enterprise a closure decision is a matter essentially for the owners and management of that enterprise.

Is the Chair right in thinking that the Minister answered Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together?

Yes, I am sorry, I should have said that.

I am not satisfied to have Questions Nos. 14 and 15 answered together, and I would prefer that I would have separate answers for both of them. Both concern issues which are very large and quite separate and I am not satisfied that the reply the Minister of State gave deals adequately with either question. What do I do in a case such as that?

The Chair cannot help the Deputy. It is not necessary for the Minister to get the consent of the Chair to take questions together.

Could the Minister deal with Question No. 14 today and No. 15 tomorrow? Would that be possible?

I have no wish to disappoint a lady, but if one reads the contents of Questions Nos. 14 and 15 one will see that they are directly related and I have answered them.

With respect I do not accept that the Minister in the course of his reply gave me a specific reply to Questions Nos. 14 and 15.

The Deputy should put a supplementary question.

My supplementary question in regard to No. 14 is, what specific links have the IDA made with any industry anxious to replace Gentex (1975)? The Minister mentioned that the discussions have been taking place, and I should like to know the names of the firms involved.

It has not been the practice to name the firms with whom the IDA may have been in contact in regard to any case. The Deputy will appreciate that there is a need for confidentiality by the IDA when dealing with foreign companies, particularly when take-overs are involved.

It was the need for confidentiality that prompted me to table Question No. 15. It is because of public unrest and agitation concerning No. 15. that I ask permission of the Chair to deal with that matter tomorrow. I am not satisfied with the decision to link Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

I apologise to the Deputy, but I cannot help her by saying that I will arrange for that because I do not have any authority to do so.

May I, through the Chair, ask the relevant Minister to accede to my request? He told me he does not like to disappoint ladies.

The Deputy will have to realise that the IDA in their activities in trying to save companies or finding replacement industries have to work on the basis of confidentiality. I am sorry that I cannot outline the names of the companies for the Deputy.

In regard to Question No. 15 I should like to know if the Minister is aware that there is considerable unease in Athlone over the events surrounding the closure of Gentex (1975) and that it is a matter of public concern that the air be cleared on this issue?

I am sure that there is great disappointment in any town when a firm closes——

I referred to "unease", not disappointment.

There is unease also when a firm closes. I am satisfied that the losses experienced by the company led to a decision by the company to liquidate earlier this year.

I regard the Minister's reply as a smokescreen to avoid my question.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.