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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 May 1988

Vol. 381 No. 4

Written Answers. - Kilkenny Design Workshops.

98.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the purpose and objectives of the Kilkenny Design Workshops as contained in their memorandum and articles of association.

The main objects of Kilkenny Design Workshops Limited as contained in their Memorandum and Articles of Association are:

To promote, assist and develop design in Ireland and improve the standards thereof.

To advise the Minister and the Oireachtas on matters affecting or in any way connected with the promotion assistance or development of design in Ireland or the improvement of standards thereof; such advice shall be given whenever requested by the Minister or the Oireachtas or whenever the board of the Kilkenny Design Workshops deem appropriate.

To convey the design needs of industry to all relevant education and training authorities.

To contribute to industrial and economic growth in Ireland and particularly:

(a) by encouraging and in so far as practicable stimulating good design in all aspects of industry,

(b) by seeking to raise consumer awareness of good design.

(c) by seeking to improve design skills,

(d) by seeking to increase appreciation of good design in industry.

To carry on the business of consultants on and producers of designs for industrial, commercial and all other purposes.

The other 52 objects shown in the Memorandum of Association are more standard company objects. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are available for inspection in the Companies Registration Office.

99.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the trading income of the Kilkenny Design Workshops declined by £380,000 in 1986 over 1985; if a similar pattern of decline was recorded in 1987; and if he will give details of the trading receipts for 1987.

The accounts for 1986, which were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 21 April 1988 show that trading income from the retail shops declined by £388,124 in 1986 over 1985. The accounts for 1987 have not yet been presented to me but the indications from the company are that a similar decline did not occur in 1987.

100.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the Government have conducted an investigation into the current financial position of the Kilkenny Design Workshops; the outcome of that investigation; and if he will make a statement on the future of the workshops here and abroad.

When considering the recent proposals of the board of Kilkenny Design Workshops Limited the Government had available to them a financial appraisal of the company's situation undertaken by outside accountants at the request of the board. As a result of the proposals which were made in the light of this appraisal, the London shop has been closed and arrangements are being made by KDW for the sale of their shops in Dublin and Kilkenny as going concerns. As I indicated in my recent statement, the Government have decided that the design function which was the original core business of KDW will continue and that the craft centre in Kilkenny city will be retained. Suitable arrangements for this will be made in the course of restructuring the company.

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