I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 16 together.
I take it the Deputies are referring to the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1990, which provides a framework within which companies experiencing financial difficulties, but considered viable in the longer term, can be put under the protection of the court. The Act became operational on 29 August 1990 and has been availed of by 126 companies, according to the latest returns to the Registrar of Companies.
I would like to assure the House that the Act, which introduced a new concept in Irish company law generally, will continue to be reviewed as the need arises. In that regard, I should like to remind the House that some amendments have already been passed by the Oireachtas in the Companies Act, 1990, and commenced by my orders in December 1990 and August 1991.
In relation to the collapse of the company to which I assume the Deputy refers, I would refer the House to my statement in this House on 8 April 1992, Official Report Volume 418, columns 1231-37.