Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Opportunities in Northern Ireland Market.

Ivor Callely

Question:

83 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the encouragement, if any, given to companies to identify opportunities in the Northern Ireland market; the success of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1545/96]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

As Minister with responsibility for overall trade policy, I have encouraged companies here, and An Bord Tráchtála, to explore the new business opportunities available in the North since the ceasefire came into operation.

ABT has increased the level of co-operation which already existed with its Northern Ireland counterparts, resulting in the development of several new initiatives, including workshops, conferences and numerous publications aimed at encouraging southern companies to exploit fully the potential of the Northern Ireland market.

ABT has recently published a new guide to the Northern Ireland market, "Opening the Door to new Profit", which details the main areas of marketing opportunity within the North. This publication compliments the 15 "Market Opportunity" reports, produced last year, which act as a guide to various market sectors on an all-Ireland basis.

The latest trade statistics from the CSO up to end, July 1995, show that, since the ceasefire in September 1994, trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic has increased by 12.5 per cent over the same period in 1993-94. The total value of trade for the period increased in value from £1,090 million to £1,227 million.