asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport in respect of the State agencies directly under his aegis, the action which they have taken to establish a five-year development plan to develop overseas services on a consultancy basis relating to the skills and experience of the State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating (a) the number of contracts, if any, which have been obtained and (b) the approximate value of the work which has been obtained.
Written Answers. - State Agencies Overseas Services.
83.
In the light of the target set in the Programme for National Recovery for earnings from overseas consultancy contracts, the Aer Lingus Group, the CIE Group and Bord Fáilte have made renewed efforts to seek out and exploit such opportunities, including the preparation of five year plans and the establishment, where appropriate, of consultancy units. As a result more than 60 contracts have been secured, generating earnings of approximately £35 million up to the end of March 1989. In addition, Aer Rianta have secured a number of management contracts in the Soviet Union, involving the establishment of joint venture arrangements.