Liz O'Donnell
Question:19 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the total cost of Irish export promotions; and his views on whether there is room for further expenditure or economies in such spending.
Vol. 427 No. 2
19 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the total cost of Irish export promotions; and his views on whether there is room for further expenditure or economies in such spending.
An Bord Tráchtála — the Irish Trade Board — for which I am responsible will receive a grant in aid this year of £37.828 million, an increase of 11 per cent on its outturn for 1992.
The critical need to improve the marketing capability of indigenous industry has been recognised by successive Governments. Since 1989 we have given practical expression to this by annually increasing An Bord Tráchtála's budget and this increased expenditure has been supported by the structural funds at the highest rate possible of 75 per cent.
In the context of the next round of structural funding, I would envisage seeking a further increase in expenditure on An Bord Tráchtála's marketing support services.
20 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will give details of the co-operation between his Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to the use of Irish Embassies to promote Irish exports; whether he has satisfied himself with current arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if in an effort to boost foreign investment, he will ensure that there is a trade delegation based in each Irish embassy and consulate, operating on a full-time basis.
32 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will give details of the co-operation between his Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to the use of Irish Embassies to promote Irish exports; whether he has satisfied himself with current arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 20, 30 and 32 together.
My Department, by which I mean the International Trade Division of the former Department of Industry and Commerce, and An Bord Tráchtála have co-operated closely for many years with the Department of Foreign Affairs and its Embassies in the task of promoting Irish exports and I am happy to say that they have always enjoyed full support from that Department. Indeed, in three countries — China, Russia and Saudi Arabia — the local representatives of ABT are based in the Embassies there.