Vol. 316 No. 3
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if plans for the development of the timber processing industry, in particular the chipboard sector, are being drawn up by his Department as a result of the recommendations of the Little Report; and if he will outline his proposed (a) short-term and (b) long-term solutions to the problems of under capacity in the processing sector.
444.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the plans, if any, for the reopening of the Munster Chipboard factory, County Waterford.
445.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will make a statement on the future of the Munster Chipboard factory in Waterford.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 443, 444 and 445 together.
The Government are continuing to seek the means of securing the maintenance of the particle board industry and the reopening of the Munster Chipboard factory. In this connection the recommendations of the Little Report are being fully considered and consultations have taken place with a number of interests.
The future of the entire processing sector for small wood has been the subject of an in-depth study by the IDA in consultation with my own Department and a vigorous campaign has been mounted by the IDA to attract suitable industry.
