asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the investigation of potential markets in Sweden by Córas Tráchtála, Teoranta, in February and March, 1958, on behalf of 12 firms was financed in part or in whole by public funds or by the firms themselves.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potential Markets in Sweden.
This question refers to the day-to-day administration of Córas Tráchtála, Teoranta, which is financed by way of Grant-in-Aid and makes an annual report, which is presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas. Its sixth annual report, which is available to the Deputy, states that the market investigation in Sweden was "undertaken primarily on behalf of 12 exporting firms who came together to finance it."
I read that report but it does not indicate who paid for this journey to Sweden, nor does it indicate they were representing themselves only, or what particular industrial interests they represented. I am sure the Minister is in a position to give that information.
I do not know the information the Deputy requires. Twelve firms got together to carry out a market inquiry. They financed it.
Did they represent 12 different branches of industry?
No. They represented the 12 firms concerned.
Did they receive State aid of some sort? Surely the House is entitled to know if public funds are expended for the purpose of increasing trade of individual firms? What amount of public money was made available?
The statement in the report was quite definite. These firms came together to finance the market exploration.
I am asking a question which the Minister can very easily answer. Was there any State subsidy?
There was no question of State funds. Córas Tráchtála Teoranta was given a Grant-in-Aid by the State to carry out its functions, which include the promotion of export trade and market exploration. It would be quite in order for Córas Tráchtála Teoranta to spend part of the funds available to it in such activities. In this particular case, as was pointed out in the report, the investigation was carried out at the instance of certain firms who financed it.
Surely it is in order for me to ask how much money was spent? It is easy for the Minister to find out, and I fail to see why individual firms should get money for that purpose and other branches of particular firms should have no say.
If other firms had the same enterprise, and wanted to avail of the services of Córas Tráchtála Teoranta, these services were available to them.