asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that County Leitrim is the only county in Ireland in which the population is still falling; and if he will request the IDA to make a special effort to create employment in that county.

Limerick East): I am aware of the continuing decline in the population of County Leitrim but I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that manufacturing employment in County Leitrim almost doubled in the period 1972-85 from 755 to 1,470. In 1985 alone, 200 first time jobs were created in the county. In addition, in the period January 1985 to September 1986 grant assistance was approved for 19 small industry projects in County Leitrim with job potential of approximately 100. The IDA will continue to actively promote County Leitrim for suitable industrial projects.