asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline current Government policy on the building and funding of advance factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
52.
Written Answers. - Advance Factories.
44.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline Government policy in relation to the development and support of enterprise centres which provide sheltered start-up facilities for small industries.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 52 together.
Current Government policy in relation to the provision by the State of industrial land and buildings is to intervene only where private sector finance is not forthcoming or is inadequate and where State investment is likely to yield significant beneficial results. The strategy, therefore, involves a two-pronged approach which seeks to maximise the private sector input, while complementing this, where necessary, with State support in essential areas.
As part of the overall programme for industrial development which has been submitted for EC Structural Fund support it is envisaged that £106.8 million will be spent on eligible building activities over the five year period 1989-1993 towards which ERDF support of £32.04 million is anticipated.
One of the aims of national development policy is to promote and foster local economic initiatives by encouraging local development of facilities and job creation opportunities. Support is primarily provided by FÁS through its various support programmes — community enterprise programme, the enterprise scheme and the enterprise training programme. In addition, grant support of up to 45 per cent is available from the industrial promotion agencies towards the cost of providing community-owned enterprise centres in areas of high long-term unemployment where the provision of advance factory space by the State or private investment is not at present a reality. Support will only be provided in areas where there is evidence of demand for such space and of the ability of local people to manage and run the centre.