Seán Power
Question:22 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to encourage and facilitate the participation of the private sector in trade promotion; and the success of the strategy to date. [2515/97]
Written Answers. - Trade Promotion.
Public policy on trade promotion has always provided for the fullest possible participation by the private sector in the marketing and promotion of their products and services. Essentially, producers are in the best position to sell their products and the role of the State is really to assist and facilitate their efforts in pursuit of these objectives.
However, under section 6 (1) of the Trade and Marketing Promotion Act, 1991 it is the board of ABT which determines the detailed manner and arrangements by which State promotional assistance is provided to firms. There is currently a very significant private sector involvement in all of ABT's major programmes, and many activities are undertaken in partnership with both sectoral groups and individual firms. I understand that the board keeps its programmes under regular review and industry's views are taken into consideration in the board's trade promotion plans.