Vol. 344 No. 9
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will extend the statutory role of SFADCo into north Kerry in order to intensify the promotion of small industry in view of the unemployment position in the North Kerry constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
352.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will consider extending the activities of SFADCo to embrace the entire 12 western counties; and if will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 352 together.
I do not propose to extend SFADCo's role in the promotion of small indigenous industry outside of the mid-West region and West and South West Offaly.
SFADCo's developing and testing concepts and systems to pioneer national small industries programmes which could be applied on a national basis is at least as important as their function of promoting small indigenous industry in their present geographic areas of responsibility.
I would add that, as part of their intensified drive to develop small industry, the Industrial Development Authority are assigning small industry specialists to each of their regional offices with specific responsibility for assisting new and existing small industry.
