Noel Dempsey
Question:18 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, that have been made in terms of the trading house scheme that was designed to assist exporting. [8396/95]
Written Answers. - Export Trading House Scheme.
Tony Killeen
Question:66 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the progress, if any, that has been made in terms of the trading house scheme that was designed to assist exporting. [8466/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 66 together.
The special trading house scheme was set up with the aim of assisting smalland medium-sized firms to exploit their export potential. Twenty-one licences have been issued since the scheme was introduced in 1988, of which eight are actively trading, according to information available to my Department.
When the scheme was last reviewed in 1992 figures showed that, while about 20 per cent only of initial projected exports were achieved, over two-thirds were new exports, and that special trading house activities were a significant factor in the creation or securing of 150 to 200 jobs in small industry. It was recommended that the scheme continue for a further three years, following the incorporation of a number of changes. The scheme is due for review once more. I intend to have this carried out later in the year.