asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the number of companies which availed of the special financial facilities offered by Córas Tráchtála to exporters in (i) 1964 and (ii) 1965 to date; the total amount given under these special facilities; and the means employed to bring these services to the attention of exporters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Financial Facilities for Industries.
75.
The services and facilities provided for exporters by Córas Tráchtála are widely publicised by the Board by the various means open to them, including advertising in selected media, Press releases, direct contact with exporters and the Board's own publications.
I understand from Córas Tráchtála that the information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
1964—135 firms and £25,000.
1965 (to date)—150 firms and £35,000.
With regard to the special grants available to exporters who wish to travel abroad, will the Minister state how this was publicised?
As I have stated, all the facilities so available were published in the various advertising media available to Córas Tráchtála. I myself mentioned the grants several times, publicly, during the last couple of months.
Is the Minister aware that one of the staff of Aer Lingus sent a circular to these firms explaining that grants were available to those who wished to travel abroad and that people first became aware of this fact through that circular? Is he aware that An Foras Tionscal were very annoyed that Aer Lingus should have made known that these facilities were available?
I could not be aware of every conversation that takes place. A 50 per cent grant is payable for first visits abroad for potential markets by senior executives. It is possible that somebody gave a wrong impression of the amount of the grants. I would not know of the individual case. Of course, it is not possible to publicise this in such a way that everybody will be aware of it. I repeat that three times recently I have publicly alluded to this matter. I am glad the Deputy has brought it before the House because I hope people will become aware of these grants and avail of them.
It is almost impossible for some exporters to fill in some of the particulars required.
I shall have the information made available in detail.