Vol. 536 No. 2
142 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the supports available for both the knitwear and textile sectors in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the stability of these industries. [13584/01]
All Enterprise Ireland facilities are available to its client companies, including both the knitwear and textile sectors in County Donegal. Specific supports are dependent on client needs and are becoming more focused on training and management building within companies.
During the past 18 months, Enterprise Ireland has offered/approved a wide range of supports to companies in County Donegal that operate within the knitwear and textile industry. These included employment grants, capital grants, training and human resource development, feasibility studies to investigate new product development, strategic consultancy and fair trade participation support.
In addition to financial assistance, Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of market development supports to the clothing, knitwear and textile sector, with dedicated teams working in the agency's overseas offices.
A training programme entitled "Marketing for Profitable Growth" started recently, with representation from the clothing and textile industry. All Enterprise Ireland client companies were invited to participate.
A PR campaign for the clothing and textile industry called "Take a Closer Look" is currently being managed by a PR company and this campaign has generated significant exposure for the industry. This is a partnership approach to the sector, including Donegal County Enterprise Board and Udarás na Gaeltachta.
