asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there is any market survey or assessment section attached to his Department or to the Industrial Development Authority.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Market Survey Section.
61.
Market research is facilitated by my Department through grant assistance under the technical assistance scheme and Córas Tráchtála have a grant scheme related to external market research. Thus, manufacturing industry is assisted to undertake its own market research. In addition, of course, Córas Tráchtála undertake market research themselves, the results of which redound to the benefit of exporters. The operations of the Industrial Development Authority in so far as they attract external manufacturers who already have their markets and who wish to set up production here to supply these markets can also be said to add to market research.
Will the Minister say whether in the case of small industries Córas Tráchtála would undertake this type of research—in this country, not abroad?
I do not think the statutory terms of reference of Córas Tráchtála permit them to do this.
Is there not some sort of technical assistance branch in the Minister's Department?
There is, and these grants are administered to cover market research.
At home as well as abroad?
Yes.