Vol. 510 No. 1
18 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has met with the residents involved in the STAD case since 29 June 1999; the position in relation to financial assistance being offered to the residents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21778/99]
There is an outstanding request for a meeting and, in that context, further details have been requested from the residents' solicitor about the items to be discussed. When this information is received a meeting can be arranged. There has been ongoing contact between my officials and the residents' solicitor.
The Government has already committed itself to providing up to £400,000 mainly towards the cost of research activities being undertaken by the residents. The Government has also offered a second package of financial assistance relating to defined areas of work by the residents' legal team arising from their research activities. A total of £145,000 has been paid for research activities to date.
