asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if, in view of the fact that only 5 per cent of agricultural machinery used in the State is manufactured here, he will have consultations with Irish manufacturers and with the Irish Sugar Company with a view to having more agricultural machinery manufactured at home.
Written Answers. - Agricultural Machinery Manufacture.
288.
The major proportion of agricultural machinery used in this country consists of high technology products such as tractors, combine harvesters and other heavy machinery, which are outside the scope of existing Irish manufacturers. Within the medium technology range there may be opportunities for further Irish manufacture and the IDA, who have assisted a number of projects in this area, are currently studying the sector to identify further areas which could be developed to supply the domestic market in substitution for imports and areas where Irish firms could hope to penetrate export markets. This study involves discussion with the major existing manufacturers including the Irish Sugar Company.