Vol. 517 No. 4
146 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will publish the ESRI study into a company (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a survey by RGDATA has revealed that many products promoted by this company as being produced in Ireland are in fact produced mainly in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10194/00]
I do not propose to publish the ESRI study as it is commercially sensitive. The study shows that purchases from Irish companies by the company in question continue to increase. Following the completion of the first ESRI benchmarking study in March 1998 the company indicated that it would grow its total business with Irish companies from 692 million in 1996-7 to 997 million by February 2002, an increase of 44%. The ESRI study of progress for the year ended February 1998 showed that the company's purchases had increased to 770 million. The second progress study, for the year ended February 1999, shows that the company's purchases from Irish companies have further increased to 835 million, an increase of 20.6% on the 692 million 1996-7 base.
The survey to which the Deputy refers has not been brought to my attention by RGDATA nor has the Director of Consumer Affairs received a complaint relating to the matter. In these circumstances, it would be inappropriate to comment further on allegations made in the context of a highly competitive environment. Any complaint received by the Director of Consumer Affairs will be examined to determine what action, if any, is warranted.
