asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will consult with the IDA on how best he can, through import substitution reduce the importation of farm machinery.
Written Answers. - Importation of Farm Machinery.
362.
Mr. Leonard
The Industrial Development Authority, in co-operation with the appropriate State agencies, are working closely with the Irish agricultural machinery industry to help the sector to achieve its full potential through the development of its design, product development, manufacturing and marketing capabilities, in order to enable it to compete successfully both with imports and on the export market.
The Review of the Irish Agricultural Machinery Industry which was published in 1982 by the Industrial Development Authority in conjunction with the National Board for Science and Technology concluded, among other things, that import substitution would not in itself provide a sound basis for development but that development of the industry could be achieved through the export of existing and improved products using the home market as a base. Since the publication of the Report a number of firms have developed new products and markets. In addition, the IDA is seeking to identify prospective partners for joint ventures or licence agreements with Irish manufacturers.