asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will make a statement on the progress of import substitutions since the Task Force, comprising of Ministers of State, was set up.
Written Answers. - Import Substitutions.
72.
I presume the Deputy's question refers to the Ministers of State Group on the Food Industry (Food Group).
The group's terms of reference were, broadly, to examine the functions and responsibilities of Government Departments and State agencies concerned with the food sector, to identify any overlaps or gaps between the interested parties, and to ensure that State resources were being used to maximum advantage. Import substitution, per se, was not, therefore, a mandate given to the group.
I am keenly aware of the problems caused by food imports, and, along with my colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, have given every assistance possible to measures aimed at curbing such imports. To this end I have, for example, conducted a series of meetings with the heads of the main supermarket groups and exhorted them to increase the volume of Irish products passing through their outlets, and to develop closer links with Irish suppliers. The response to these meetings has in the main been positive. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that nothing dramatic can be achieved overnight in an area where there is a multiplicity of consumer needs and tastes and that it is only by unremitting efforts on the parts of all concerned that we can be confident of fully reversing the present trends.
The Irish Goods Council will continue to be in the forefront of bringing the advantages of Irish products to the notice of distributors and consumers.
The Deputy will be aware that, in line with Government policy, a range of incentives is available to manufacturing firms in the food sector. Grants, for example, are available from the IDA for projects aimed at import substitution. The IDA will also be providing a specialist food centre in Waterford which will provide facilities for new small enterprises in the food processing sector. SFADCo, through the food processing centre in Limerick, and through grants, advice etc., are also active in the food sector. Further assistance is available from other State agencies, such as An Foras Talúntais and the IIRS.
Everything possible is being done to help Irish industry compete with imports, and as I indicated in previous replies on the subject to the Deputy, this can best be achieved through Irish firms being in a position to compete successfully with imports in such areas as price, quality, product development and delivery performance.