asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the progress, if any, the IDA and CTT have made since his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 14 October 1987 in assessing the concept of a development company; and if a stage has yet been reached when this concept, contained in paragraph 10.16 (iv) of The White Paper on Industries Policy, can be wither acted upon or abandoned.
Written Answers. - White Paper on Industries Policy.
24.
The concept referred to has not been pursued because various schemes operated by the IDA and CTT, such as the company development programme and the group marketing scheme, have the objective of building technical, managerial and marketing skills in companies. Additionally, the licensing of special trading houses will provide marketing outlets for Irish products overseas. NADCORP has the ability to invest in any suitable development company and has done so in companies marketing salmon and speciality cheeses.
I see developments such as these as the way of meeting the objectives proposed in the White Paper.