asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the plans he has to secure the future of Ballyhack boatyard to Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

This is a private commercial company in respect of which I have no specific functions or responsibility. The future of the boatyard is a matter for the management of the company in the first instance, who will no doubt be aware of the facilities available from various State agencies for companies in difficult financial circumstances.

My only involvement in this area is in the provision of funds to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to enable that body to make grants and loans available for the purchase and modernisation of fishing vessels by suitable applicants. As indicated in the national plan, funds will continue to be provided for this purpose.

It is difficult to believe that the Minister should suggest that he has no function in regard to boatyards. If Ballyhack boatyard closes our boats will have to be built abroad with consequent loss of employment here. I ask the Minister to assist this yard where there are outstanding skills, unlikely to be found elsewhere, available.

I have no specific function in relation to helping out any boatyard. Bord Iascaigh Mhara are responsible for the provision of loans and grants in respect of new ships being built in boatyards and another State agency is responsible for providing finances when there is a problem in that regard. My Department have no specific responsibility in relation to the provision of funds for that purpose.

Will the Minister insist that Bord Iascaigh Mhara should ensure that boats built for Irish fishermen are built in Irish boatyards?

Where tenders are on a par with those of other boatyards it is the policy of Board Iascaigth Mhara to build them in the boatyards of the country concerned. Tenders are sent out for building these boats and as Bord Iascaigh Mhara are dealing with public funds they must protect them.

Does the Minister agree that the level of output at boat building yards, including Wexford, is largely dependent on the amount of capital made available by the Government by way of grants to BIM to assist in the purchase of boats by fishermen? Could he say what the Government's policy is in regard to making capital available to assist fishermen in purchasing boats in 1985 as this will largely determine the amount of work undertaken in the boat building area?

This question refers to Ballyhack boatyard.

It will affect Ballyhack boatyard also.

In relation to Ballyhack boatyard, it is my understanding that there is an application in for a 36 foot vessel costing approximately £65,000. However, that does not mean that Ballyhack will get the contract as other boatyards are also contracting for that vessel. They have the same right to tender for that contract and I understand it has not been finalised yet.