asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of new industrial jobs created in County Kerry in 1983, 1984 and 1985; and the number of industrial jobs lost in these years.

I am advised by the Central Statistics Office, who have responsibility for compiling statistics on the numbers employed in manufacturing industry, that the latest official data on manufacturing employment in County Kerry are contained in the Census of Population 1981.

However, I would inform the Deputy that the Industrial Development Authority carry out an annual employment survey for internal planning purposes and that this survey shows the following data in regard to industrial jobs created and lost in County Kerry.

In view of the massive job losses over that three year period, almost 1,800, and in view of the fact that as regards unemployment County Kerry is 2 per cent to 3 per cent above the national average, has the Minister any future plans to create worth-while job opportunities there?

Promise him something.

I am aware that County Kerry has a high unemployment problem, but so have County Wexford and County Mayo, and I have answered the same general question from the Deputies in those counties. In 1985 the IDA approved over £1 million in grant assistance to 24 small industry projects in County Kerry with job potential for 184. Also in 1985 the following companies received grant support: Beru Tralee, Ridgeview Mills, Melchert Elektronik Listowel and Burlington Industries Tralee. The Tralee project is very important because it is expected that the numbers employed in the plant will increase from 400 to 500 in 1986. The IDA are fully aware of the needs of County Kerry. I note from the manufacturing employment figure that in 1983 there were 5,522 people employed in manufacturing and in November 1985 there were 5,011, a drop of approximately 10 per cent, which is a reflection of the figure in County Mayo, if I am not mistaken.