38 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the discussions his Department has had with the receiver of a company (details supplied) in County Louth regarding the future of this fish processing plant; the efforts which have been made to secure a replacement company; if his attention has been drawn to the serious loss of revenue to the village area and also the loss to the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12124/02]

As the Deputy is aware, a receiver has been appointed to the company in question which operates seafood processing plants in a number of locations. The issue of securing a purchaser for the company's assets is a matter for the receiver. Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the State agency with responsibility for the seafood sector, has been in ongoing liaison with the receiver to offer assistance in finding a replacement company. BIM's meetings with the receiver have focused on attempts to assist the receiver in finding a solution which will facilitate the retention of the core activities of the plants in each location and the resultant employment in the respective communities. My Department is updated on a regular basis in relation to BIM's liaison with the receiver. I also understand that Enterprise Ireland has been in contact with the receiver in similar terms to BIM.