asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will provide adequate funding for the Consumer Association of Ireland on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In conjunction with the Minister for Finance, I am currently examining an application for funding for 1990 from the Consumers' Association of Ireland. No decision has yet been taken in the matter.

I should point out that State funding was provided to the association both in 1988 and 1989 by my colleague, the Minister for Health.

The funding provided in recent years has assisted the association in procuring substantial financial assistance from the EC Commission.

Would the Minister of State agree that the Consumer Association of Ireland do a very worthwhile job monitoring certain activities which perhaps his own Department are not in a position to carry out? Would he agree that it is time his Department recognised the contribution this association make in monitoring such things as the non-passing on of reductions to the consumer investigating the insurance industry and so on? Would he also agree that it is time a proper grant was made to this association without their having to make any special request on an annual basis for such a grant? We should recognise their importance and position.

We have recognised their position by giving them a contribution from State funds. In fact, they received £92,000 from the EC as a result of the funding provided from the Department.

Not from your Department.

As a result of a decision, which the Deputy may not be aware of, made at a recent Council meeting consumers in the EC will have a further role to play.

I am referring to the contribution of the Department.

Next question, please, Question No. 26.