asked the Minister for Finance the reason the Government has not submitted any investment projects in the footwear industry for aid from the EEC Regional Fund and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Footwear Industry.
146.
Grants are given by the Industrial Development Authority for investment projects in the footwear industry subject to the approval of the Task Force for the reorganisation of the footwear industry.
Experience of the administration of the Regional Fund has shown that the Commission is generally opposed to granting aid for projects in certain "sensitive" sectors, including textiles, footwear, shipbuilding and steel. It has, therefore, been regarded as pointless to seek a Regional Fund contribution towards the cost of IDA grants in this sector, particularly since there are more than enough infrastructural projects and industrial projects involving the creation of new jobs to take up our full quota of the Fund.