asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the plans he has for the provision of increased fish processing facilities at Castletownbere, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The establishment of fish processing facilities anywhere in the State is a matter for private enterprise in the first instance. Grants are available from the Industrial Development Authority and from the EEC Commission — FEOGA — for suitable projects as well as from Údarás na Gaeltachta for projects located in Gaeltacht areas.

Plans have been approved for the setting up of a further fish processing plant on Dinish Island, Castletownbere and negotiations are at a preliminary stage with another promoter about the possibility of establishing an enterprise there.

Is the Minister aware of the very severe unemployment problem in Castletownbere and will he request the IDA to be more helpful, if that is possible, with the Castletownbere Fishermen's Co-op who have been endeavouring for several months to have a grant sanctioned in respect of fish processing facilities? Has the Minister anything on his file in regard to that application?

I have information in relation to the fish processing factory. The grant has been approved. The level of that IDA grant in respect of building and equipment is £136,400 while the EC Commission have granted £341,000 from FEOGA.