asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce in relation to the conclusion of the recent NESC report A Strategy for Development, that Irish export growth since 1980 has been quite heavily concentrated in a limited number of product categories, if he will make a statement on his plans to encourage a more broadly based improvement in export performance across commodity groups.
Written Answers. - NESC Report.
22.
Limerick East): There is nothing radically new in the comment in the NESC report referred to. The report itself recognises that this aspect of our export performance amongst other issues was addressed in the White Paper on Industrial Policy.
A more balanced export strategy is necessary. The White Paper found that the lack of marketing skills was a particular problem inhibiting the development of exports of indigenous firms. In recognition of this the Government has committed significant extra resources to CTT to enable it to undertake a range of marketing initiatives with the emphasis on the indigenous sector.
These new inititives commenced in 1985 and continued during 1986. There are a range of schemes covering four main developmental areas viz. building marketing strengths in firms, market research, design and product development, and market entry and development proposals.
These schemes in general apply across all product categories and sectors of industry. They are designed to encourage exporters to increase exports in their current markets, to research and expand new markets and to develop new products. The issue raised by the Deputy is therefore being tackled, but of its nature the new emphasis will take time to achieve all the desired results.