asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has received for the re-opening of Verolme dockyards, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Proposals for the re-opening of the yard are a matter for the receiver who is responsible for disposal of the assets of the Verolme Cork Dockyard Ltd. Since the transfer of responsibility for ship and boat building functions from the Department of Industry and Commerce this year no proposal has been received in my Department for the re-opening of Verolme Cork dockyards.