asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps taken by Córas Tráchtála to implement each of the initiatives in the White Paper on Industrial Policy: (a) market entry and development grants: (b) market research grants, (c) group marketing scheme for exporters, (d) grants for the provision of overseas warehousing, and (e) the distributor support programme; in each case, the number of grants sanctioned since the publication of the White Paper; if the initiatives have been reviewed by the management committee on Industrial Policy in accordance with paragraph 6.4 of the White Paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Córas Tráchtála Schemes.
109.
Since the publication of the White Paper on Industrial Policy, CTT has established a market entry and development scheme, and a group marketing scheme for exporters. It has also increased the number of market research grants it makes available to exporters.
Under the market entry and development scheme CTT has assisted 14 companies to date, one other company is about to commence a market entry and development plan and three have postponed participation in the scheme. Another 13 firms are under consideration for participation in the scheme over the coming months.
CTT has provided market research grants to approximately 570 firms under its market research grant heading since the publication of the White Paper.
Under the group marketing scheme it was envisaged at the time of the White Paper that 20 marketing schemes would be established. At the beginning of 1987, 12 active schemes were in existence involving approximately 65 companies.
Schemes relating to warehousing and distributor support were not established following the publication of the White Paper due to lack of finance. It was felt that schemes under these headings were not priority schemes and accordingly should not be afforded some of the limited finance available.
Each of the schemes established has been examined by the Department of Industry and Commerce in the context of its review of industrial performance and the resulting report Review of Industrial Performance 1986 has been considered by the management committee on industrial policy.
I feel happy that the schemes initiated on foot of the White Paper are currently Operating quite successfully. The Office of Trade and Marketing at the Department of Industry and Commerce will, however, continue to review the operation of the schemes to ensure that they are the appropriate schemes for Irish exporters endeavouring to improve their performance in overseas markets.