asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps he intends to take in view of the implications of the possible collapse of the tanning industry for agriculture in general.

For a considerable number of years past the vast bulk of Irish hide production has been exported. Accordingly, any decline in demand from the Irish tanning industry is not likely to have a significant impact on the agricultural sector. I am, of course, most concerned that we should have a strong and viable tanning industry and I am and will be making efforts to achieve this.

Would the Minister specify what action he is taking to achieve the objectives he has outlined?

That part of the question is not relevant to my Department. It is relevant to the Department of Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism. I do not mind telling the Deputy that I have been in communication with the receiver. I know that there are a number of people showing a definite business interest in the group as a whole and some others in certain sections of it.

Is the interest being shown in the three factories, or in some of them?

Some of the interests have been concerned with the group as a whole and others have been concerned with particular parts of the group.