The national linkage programme exists primarily to assist in expanding sales by Irish suppliers to overseas companies located here. The IDA, now Forfás, survey of Irish economy expenditures, which is carried out annually, is the main measurement of linkage activity. The survey relates to companies employing more than 29 people and covers the SFADCo and Údarás na Gaeltachta areas as well as Forfás regions. The survey provides the following information in regard to the issues raised by the Deputy — the latest year for which survey results are available is 1992.
Estimated sales and purchases of Irish Raw Materials-Components of Overseas-owned non-food industry 1985-1992
(Constant 1992 Prices, Employment over 29)
IR£ millions