Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My final question relates to SmartPly and medite. When I visited the SmartPly plant during the summer, I was impressed by the facility and by the product innovation being shown by the company. Mr. Gunning mentioned a new product - Medite Tricoya - which reminds me of the word "troika". The product innovation is something else. SmartPly's plan to invest in a new plant has been approved at all levels other than the board of Coillte. I know it was put on hold while a decision was being made on the proposed sale of State assets. Perhaps that is why a final decision has not been made. Over 300 people are employed at the two factories in south Kilkenny and in Clonmel, County Tipperary. In 2008, the company was supplying the domestic building market but it is now export-led as a result of its innovative new products. I would appreciate it if Mr. Gunning could make a statement on the current position with regard to investment in the SmartPly plant.