asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he accepts that franchising offers potential for development particularly in the area of generating small business; and if he will outline the measures, if any, he intends to take to encourage franchising.
Written Answers. - Development of Small Business.
49.
The franchise system is of particular significance in the retail sector, where we have seen in recent years a substantial growth in the number of new outlets being operated under franchise. Save for compliance, as appropriate, with planning legislation etc., there are no restrictions on the development of this system of trading and I do not consider that there is any need to devise an action programme to encourage it. Of course where such a system could be used in the promotion of exports of goods or services it will be actively supported. Any suggestion the Deputy wishes to make in this regard will be carefully studied.
In so far as manufacturing is concerned, the Industrial Development Authority are actively promoting the use of joint ventures, licensing and technology acquisition among Irish manufacturing firms as a means of developing their business. The upgrading of the teachnical expertise of domestic companies is a key objective of the White Paper on Industrial Policy, published in July 1984.
In 1984 the IDA intensified their strategy of using their network of overseas offices to work with Irish firms seeking licences and joint ventures. Recent progress in this area was set out in my reply to a question by the Deputy relating to technology acquisition grants on 31 October 1985.