asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he proposes taking to transfer some of the available financial resources from fixed asset investment to new marketing support strategies.
Written Answers. - Transfer of Financial Resources.
26.
Limerick East): The Government's commitment to transfer resources away from fixed asset investment to new marketing support strategies is reflected in the allocations provided to Córas Tráchtála for market promotion and to the Industrial Development Authority and Shannon Free Airport Development Company for industrial development, since the publication of the Government's White Paper on Industrial Policy.
In 1984, CTT's total Exchequer allocation was £17.747 million. In the current year this has been increased to £25.336 million i.e. an increase of 42.8 per cent on the 1984 figure. Over the same period, the combined Exchequer allocation to IDA-SFADCo for capital grants and building operations has decreased from £186.9 million to £181.2 million i.e. a decrease of 3 per cent approximately.
The additional funding provided to Córas Tráchtála has enabled them to undertake many novel marketing initiatives, the most innovative of these being the market entry and development scheme. The funds are also being used by CTT to assist firms to build their marketing strengths and to engage in market research and product development. A group marketing scheme for small exporters is also being funded by the additional money allocated to CTT.