asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the Government have any proposals to provide technological, management and other information to small and medium sized firms.
57.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Firms Advisory Service.
56.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any proposals to establish a State-sponsored advisory service aimed first at small and medium size industry, sponsored by such organisations as the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, IDA, CII, IMI, AnCO, Córas Tráchtála and other such bodies; and, if not, why.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.
The Industrial Development Authority have a special division to deal with the promotion and development of small industries, and the Irish Management Institute run special courses geared to the requirements of these firms. In addition the services of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, the Irish Productivity Committee, AnCO, Córas Tráchtála and Government Departments are available to small and medium sized firms and procedures exist for any necessary co-ordination of these services. I consider that the existing arrangements are adequate.