James Leonard
Question:16 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the proposals, if any, he has to re-establish the tanning industry in view of the high rate of export of hides and lost opportunity for job creation. [18950/96]
Written Answers. - Tanning Industry.
The Deputy will recall that he raised the issue of increasing tanning capacity in a written question on 26 June 1996.
The development of the tanning industry is a matter for which Forbairt has day-to-day responsibility. In this regard, I should point out that within the past three years significant investment in the industry has been made. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the capacity to process hides. The increase in tanning capacity has taken place against a background where there has been some fall-off in the level of hides available. I have been advised by Forbairt, that apart from seasonal peaks, the capacity exists to process the majority of hides available on a continuing basis.
Forbairt has assured me that it is actively continuing to seek viable opportunities to add further to the processing of Irish hides and any proposals will be considered on their merits.