asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the shortage of timber supplies in Woodfab, Fermoy, County Cork; and the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the problem.

I am aware that Woodfab (Cork) Limited has experienced some supply difficulties in recent months and my Department has taken steps to alleviate the problem. The company has not been successful in securing what it considers a sufficient supply of timber, in competition with other mills, under the tender system. My Department, however, has recently made available timber at Cappoquin forest under the large sawlog quota scheme. With this allocation and lots successfully purchased under the tender system, it is estimated that the company now has some two to three months supply of timber on hands.