Vol. 395 No. 8
39 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider the publication of a White Paper on the development of industry based on the processing and exploitation of natural resources in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Programme for National Recovery, the National Development Plan 1989-1993 and the Programme for Government, July 1989, give special priority to the development of our natural resource based industries. To ensure the realisation of the sector's full potential special ministerial offices have been established in the areas of food, horticulture and forestry. Specific development strategies have been drawn up for each of these sectors as well as for the development of the fishing industry.
In the areas for which my Department have responsibility, mainly, timber and leather processing, clear identifiable strategies are in operation aimed at maximising their potential. I have no proposal to publish a White Paper on the subject.
