Vol. 371 No. 8
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of a newspaper report (details supplied) he proposes to initiate a special monitoring system so that import substitution can be made more effective; if public funds will be used for this purpose; if other EC countries have such systems in operation; when the Irish scheme will be initiated; its annual cost; and the number of staff to be employed therein.
107.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the proposals, if any, he has for any new initiatives in 1987 for the Irish Goods Council; and if he has satisfied himself with the success of current import substitution programmes.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
There are in place a number of established monitoring systems to enable import substitution opportunities to be identified. It is my intention to review, strengthen and extend these systems so that the greater potential for import substitution can be achieved. The action necessary to effect this is being considered but, meanwhile, I am not in a position to indicate whether additional staff resources or funds will be required. Similarly the question of a further role for the Irish Goods Council in this area has yet to be decided. I am also not yet in a position to indicate the full extent of import monitoring systems which other EEC member states operate, but I am endeavouring to clarify this as a matter of urgency.
