asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department have had any discussions with the bakery industry; if so, the proposals which have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

52.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ask the IDA and CTT to form a task force to assist the Irish bakery industry to protect jobs by (a) rationalising its production facilities (b) specialising in individual plants (c) rationalising its distribution system and (d) developing export markets.

55.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Government's policy for the future development of the baking industry, especially in light of the decision to appoint a liquidator to the Johnston, Mooney and O'Brien bakery in Dublin; and if he intends to take any steps to try to save the jobs of the 485 workers involved.

99.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends to take any action following the recent announcement of the closure of the Johnston, Mooney and O'Brien bakery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 52, 55 and 99 together.

There is considerable over capacity in the baking industry, giving rise to intense competition and narrow margins. The Department of Agriculture are studying the problems of the industry in consultation with the relevant State agencies with a view to identifying ways of safeguarding employment to the greatest extent possible in the industry as a whole. However, it is for the individual firms involved to decide what steps they should take to adapt to present market conditions.