Vol. 474 No. 2
20 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to bring forward a statement of national trade policy; and his views on the changes necessary in trade promotion up to 1999 and in its aftermath. [2613/97]
It is the Government's intention, as stated in paragraph 6.18 of Partnership 2000, to have published a statement setting out current national policy in the trade area, including multilateral aspects and trade promotion. Work on the document is due to begin shortly.
However, it would be premature, at this stage, to speculate on precise changes which might be required up to 1999 and after, particularly in trade promotion policy. The Operational Programme for Industrial Development, which includes funding for ABT promotional programme to the end of 1999 is, in common with all other operational programmes, currently the subject of examination under a mid-term review process. The external evaluators of the operational programme have almost finalised their report, and are engaged in consultations at the moment with my Department on the trade promotion aspects. Their report will then be considered by the national monitoring committee for this programme which will make final recommendations regarding the programme, including changes, if appropriate, to promotional programmes to run to end 1999.
