asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he has taken to interest small proprietors and investors in the propagation of Irish industry and to encourage the making of new issues available for such investment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Investment in Industry.
59.
The main vehicle for the promotion of small-scale industrial enterprises is the Industrial Development Authority's small industries programme which was started in April, 1967. Under this programme, the authority provide generous grants for approved projects, they provide specialist advisory services and arrange working capital through the banks and the Industrial Credit Company, Ltd. The authority have recently initiated a scheme in conjunction with the banks for the promotion of small industries throughout the country, the objective being to inform and encourage those engaged in business and commerce of the opportunities that exist and the financial assistance that is available.
Any decision to make new issues of shares is a matter for the individual companies themselves.