asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the percentage of their material inputs foreign companies import into this country in the computerised, electronics and chemical areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Imports by Foreign Companies.
27.
Official figures from the Central Statistics Office do not show Irish and overseas companies imported material inputs separately. However, a recent Industrial Development Authority survey finds that overseas firms imported an average of 64 per cent of their material inputs in 1983; in electronics, including computers, and chemicals, such imports were 83 per cent and 80 per cent respectively.
Electronics and chemicals are fast growing sectors so there is clearly a need to ensure that more of their inputs come from Irish sources. The national linkage programme for which IDA are responsible addresses this need. Electronics which uses a wide variety of inputs will be their initial area of emphasis. There, the programme aims to raise the level of raw materials from Irish sources to 33 per cent of the industry's requirement. It will be extended to other sectors such as chemicals when results have been reviewed.