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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 4

Written Answers. - Single Market.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

94 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all overseas based firms dealing in consumer goods are giving a fair opportunity to Irish producers and manufacturers to supply their firms; if she has identified any major areas of concerns in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8583/99]

The European Single Market gives the right to any firm within the European Union to establish retail outlets in other member states and to source freely their supplies from within the EU. This is a right which many Irish firms are exploiting very successfully, both in terms of establishing businesses in other member states and in supplying the Single Market. Once the relevant provisions of EU competition law are respected and single market rules adhered to, it is open to all companies, including Irish branches of overseas firms, to source their products anywhere within the EU.

I am anxious to ensure that Irish suppliers avail of the opportunities which the increasing number of overseas firms in the Irish retail market provide. To this end, Enterprise Ireland administers a supplier development programme which determines, at an individual company level, the appropriate changes required to assist Irish suppliers to respond to the challenges arising from the structural change under way in the market and to take advantage of new opportunities arising. To date, 30 companies have expressed an interest in the programme. Of these, four are now at the implementation phase where training and development of staff with specific improvement projects is being addressed. The remaining companies are being assessed as regards their suitability for strategic change.
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