I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 50 together.
With a view to ensuring fullest co-ordination between them and maximum effectiveness in the export marketing of goods and services, in the promotion of tourism and of Ireland as an attractive country for industrial investment, the Government has decided that in cities abroad all official entities should, to the greatest extent possible, be brought together in one location.
As the first step in this process the question of a single location in New York is now at an advanced stage of consideration. Accordingly I expect to be putting a proposal to Government in the near future.
The experience in New York will be a valuable yardstick in carrying the process forward in other cities. The Deputy will appreciate that complex and costly issues such as the identification of suitable locations and the acquisition and disposal of leases will have to have regard to existing stringent financial conditions.
The Deputy will be aware that the primary agency for the attraction of foreign investment is the Industrial Development Authority. While it seeks to maximise this investment through its network of offices abroad, diplomatic representation also plays an important role in support of the authority's efforts as it does, also, for CTT in export promotion. While I am satisfied with the level of support provided by Irish embassies abroad in the general area of industrial promotion, I am anxious that every opportunity be availed of to enhance performance in this regard.
