asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his views on the criticism by the Small Firms Association of the effectiveness of the National Linkage Programme.
Written Answers. - National Linkage Programme.
29.
The Small Firms Association's Review of the National Linkage Programme, which was primarily based on the responses of 37 Linkage I companies to a questionnaire, indicated that the programme was highly regarded as a management support programme. The review's main criticism related to the respondents' view that orders had failed to reach their expectations.
The National Linkage Programme has stated that, since its inception, it has closely monitored the amount of business won by participating suppliers and that the 51 companies involved in Linkage I have increased their sales by 48 per cent since 1985.
Arrangements have recently been introduced to improve the marketing support aspect of the programme.