Mr. James Fitzgerald:

I thank the Senator. Previously, there has been reluctance on the part of the State to get involved. Its representatives would point immediately to the Acts on this. Because of state aid concerns, they would be afraid that they would be supporting a business in a way that would constitute state aid. We believe, however, that with a bit of thoughtfulness the matter could be dealt with. Covid has taught us about the State's need to intervene in certain small businesses to maintain certain coverage and so on.

On university research, I must admit that I have not had a whole pile of time to look at what was happening out in the universities. I am aware there is a strong plastics aspect to Athlone Institute of Technology and maybe we have to reach out and make contact with some people who may have an interest in further developing their research in this area or to assist them in any we could to develop that particular space.

On the third point-----