asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will investigate the possiblity of the IDA considering grant-aid applications from Gaeltacht areas in view of the fact that Údarás na Gaeltachta have no finance to aid such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Limerick East): The consideration of applications for grant assistance is a day-to-day matter for the Industrial Development Authority and one in which I have no function.

Is the Minister aware that Údarás na Gaeltachta are not offering any assistance to industrialists in Gaeltacht areas? We understand that the IDA have an abundance of finance. Would the Minister indicate that he would be prepared to make a case to the IDA to consider applications from Gaeltacht areas?

(Limerick East): The Industrial Development Act, 1969, permits the IDA to provide grant assistance in every part of the State except the Shannon free zone. The legislation governing Údarás na Gaeltachta confines them to grant aiding projects in Gaeltacht areas. Any question about Údarás na Gaeltachta should be directed to the Minister for the Gaeltacht as it is not within my remit.

Údarás na Gaeltachta have already approved applications for 607 whole time jobs and 80 part time jobs. Any capital expenditure in 1986 was spent in 1985. Is the Minister prepared to consider amending the legislation in order to ensure that jobs can be provided in Gaeltacht areas?

(Limerick East): The present legislation allows the IDA to invest in any part of the State outside of the Shannon free zone. If the Deputy wants information on Údarás na Gaeltachta I suggest that he put down a question to the Minister for the Gaeltacht.

We cannot get information. In view of the fact that we may apply to the IDA and that most of the Gaeltacht is outside the Shannon area would the Minister make a case to the IDA and ask them to look at these applications?

(Limerick East): If the Deputy has a proposal and calls over and talks to me I will consider what he says.