Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Ó Clochartaigh for bringing this matter before the House. Aramara Teo. is under the full ownership of Údarás na Gaeltachta and I am not directly responsible for it. This is a matter for the údarás.

I am, certainly, aware of what is happening and I hope the údarás will find the best possible partner for the company. I understand there is considerable interest in the company. The seaweed industry has taken on a major significance. There is much interest in it, especially from a scientific point of view, with developments in companies in Canada and elsewhere throughout the world. There is a great opportunity here for a strategic partnership to ensure that the jobs are preserved and continue and that the company has a future. Seaweed and its derivatives are becoming very popular. Major scientific interest is developing in them, with considerable success.

I thank the Senator for raising the matter. I will bring it to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, who is not here this evening. He is in Donegal. I will also bring the Senator's concerns to the attention of Údarás na Gaeltachta.