asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will explain the total underdevelopment of the fish processing industry in Ireland; and whether there are any plans for State initiative to stimulate the development of fish processing.

As the Deputy is aware, the establishment of fish processing plants is primarily a matter for private enterprise in the first instance. In order to promote such development assistance is afforded by State agencies such as An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Industrial Development Authority and Údarás na Gaeltachta, as appropriate, for suitable projects. Such projects can also attract grant aid under the EEC marketing and processing scheme.

I do not accept the implication in the question that the Irish fish processing industry is totally underdeveloped.

Capital investment in the fish processing sector has in the five years 1979-1984 (October) amounted to £26.7 million, of which State grants constituted £7.0 million and EEC (FEOGA) grants £5.9 million.

The Minister will be aware that in relation to secondary processing there is a huge potential for job creation and benefit to the economy if a more vigorous policy is adopted. Can the Minister indicate whether his Department or BIM have any arrangements or have had discussions with the IDA to ensure that more attention is given to secondary processing of our own produce with a view to creating additional employment opportunities and added value for the State?

BIM encourage processing, particularly secondary processing. To this end BIM work closely with the IDA, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the ICC and AnCO. BIM place special emphasis on product and process development, refrigeration, plant lay-out and quality control. They at all times encourage processing.