Is the Minister aware that, despite the great division and debate in the area over the Merrell Dow project, there is now total unanimity among the general public of east Cork that an alternative industry must be found for the area? In view of the extremely high level of unemployment there, will he mandate the IDA to give priority attention to the Killeagh area?

The Deputy may be aware that major industries as valuable as this one are not easily come by. I hope we will see more of them.

May I make a further point? We accept that an industry such as Merrell Dow will not appear overnight — I had my own views on the matter, and I make no apology for that. However, I ask the Minister to give a commitment that the east Cork area will not be treated unfairly by the IDA and that he will ensure that the area gets its fair share of attention from the IDA.

I will ensure that the IDA treat it equally with other regions.

Mr. Sherlock rose.

I think the Deputy has had a good innings on this question.

May I remind you respectfully a Cheann Comhairle that this day you refused a question from me, but a similar question has now just been answered by the Minister.

Deputy Sherlock, I think I gave you plenty of time on this question.

I had put down the same question as the Deputy and it has been answered by the Minister, but you refused my question on the grounds——

Deputy Sherlock had full rein to ask supplementaries, and he asked many of them.