asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the up-to-date position regarding Verolme Cork Dockyard; and if he is aware of the importance of providing a replacement industry in Cobh as a matter of urgency.

The up-to-date position on Verolme Cork Dockyard is that following the appointment of a receiver to the company on 30 November 1984 an intensive international marketing campaign has been undertaken by both the receiver and the IDA to find a purchaser who would provide significant ongoing employment at the dockyard. It is impossible to predict the outcome of these efforts but it would be only fair to point out that the market for this kind of facility is far from ideal.

I am, of course, aware of the importance of finding a replacement industry in Cobh which, like other areas of the country, is affected by the loss of a major employer in the region. It is for this reason that my Department and the IDA will be doing everything possible to assist the receiver in his search for a suitable purchaser for the dockyard.