asked the Minister for Education whether, in view of the increasing difficulty of Irish manufacturers in selling their goods at home and abroad, with particular reference to the importance of exports and the accepted necessity for well designed goods and their presentation, he will indicate what steps have been taken to provide facilities and training, in keeping with the most modern methods, for designers for industry and commerce.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training of Designers in Industry and Commerce.
88.
While not committing myself to acceptance of the Deputy's statement that Irish manufacturers are meeting with increasing difficulties in the sale of their goods, I am fully aware of the importance of design in industry. During the past year there has been set up under my Department a committee representative of the various interests involved, including the manufacturers, to consider what appropriate steps might be taken to improve the facilities heretofore available in the National College of Art for training in industrial design.
I may mention here that some institutions not directly connected with my Department, but represented on the Committee to which I have referred, have been very actively concerned with this question of design in industry. Last year, for example, An Chomhairle Ealaíon awarded a scholarship of £800 to a young Irish designer to study industrial design abroad. This scholarship holder is at present pursuing his studies on the Continent. Córas Tráchtála are also examining means of providing an advisory service in industrial design for Irish manufacturers.