asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in detail what are the functions of the representatives of the Industrial Development Authority in France.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - IDA Representatives in France.
14.
One of the three representatives of the Industrial Development Authority in Europe spends much of his time in France; he also visits other countries. The function of a representative is to interest industrialists in the facilities available in this country for the establishment of new industry. For this purpose he travels extensively to meet manufacturers, bankers and others who may be of assistance to him in making suitable contacts. He is supported in his work by advertising and publicity campaigns conducted by the IDA in France and other countries, and by frequent visits abroad by members and senior staff of the Authority.
Could the Minister say if this representative is armed with information from particular localities or towns which has been transmitted to the Industrial Development Authority?
I could not answer that specifically. I am sure he is armed with all the necessary information, social statistics and other things that would be of assistance to him in giving the information sought.
Is he empowered to discuss with potential establishers of industry here the merits of such places as Sligo, Athlone——
And Wexford.
——and Wexford, or any particular place like that?
He is generally aware of the concentration of industry in particular areas, of the population in particular areas and of the industrial trends in those areas. I am sure that, if he is asked, he is able to supply all the necessary information required.
Would it not be right, therefore, that all areas seeking industries should furnish all the adequate information they have at their disposal to the Industrial Development Authority, so that, in turn, it could be transmitted to the gentleman referred to?
I doubt if there is a town or district in the whole of the country that has not taken that step already.
Adequate information?
Indeed, there are plenty, even without the word "adequate", which think that industries will come into their arms.
He is fully armed with information about practically every town?
I could not answer that categorically. I am sure he is.
I would hate to think he is acting for any particular district?
As I stated before, no particular district gets preference from any of the representatives at home or abroad. The facilities available in each district are brought to the attention of the particular industrialist.
If he is to be so independent, it would be very difficult for him to do anything worthwhile working out there. Does he even talk about particular areas?
He talks about all areas without giving one preference above another.