asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the strategic plans, if any, his Department has drawn up, in conjunction with the IDA, to ensure that the hides and skins produced in this country are processed into a finished leather product.
43.
Written Answers. - Hides and Skins Processing.
36.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position regarding the opening of a new tanning industry by Irish or foreign interests; the progress which has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 43 together.
My Department, in conjunction with the industrial development agencies, is in the process of finalising a strategy for the hides and skins sector. The overall objective of the strategy will be to maximise the proportion of such products processed into finished leather within the country.
A number of projects have already been approved for support by the agencies and these will lead to an increase in employment in the sector over the next few years. The agencies will continue to seek further projects to achieve the strategic objective.