Vol. 436 No. 4
118 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he has issued a directive to all FÁS scheme organisers to purchase Irish manufactured goods where appropriate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a great volume of imported products are being purchased, particularly in the building area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It would not be appropriate in the context of Ireland's membership of the European Union for a State agency such as FÁS to issue a buy Irish directive to bodies or groups which it is funding. I know and appreciate the value and contribution Irish companies make to the economy at a variety of levels and I am satisfied that FÁS would share this view and with the due regard to all relevant factors, in particular the obligations of EU membership, they would give the maximum priority possible to supporting Irish companies when purchasing goods.
