asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has identified particular areas of manufacturing for which he is actively seeking the establishment of export trading houses; and, if so, the areas which are involved.
Written Answers. - Special Trading Houses.
72.
The Deputy should understand that the special trading house scheme is targeted on market opportunities; the special trading houses will then seek out appropriate manufacturers to meet market demands.
I am anxious that the scheme should have the broadest possible impact in generating new export activity from smaller Irish companies. I am satisfied that many of our smaller firms, across a wide range of industrial sectors, have the capacity to produce products which can be successfully marketed abroad. Up to now, many of these firms simply did not have the resources to penetrate overseas markets. The special trading house scheme provides a new access mechanism to foreign markets for such firms.
The special trading house is required to have the necessary structure, organisation and marketing ability to undertake successfully the sale abroad of Irish made goods. The very strenuous vetting procedure applied to applicants for special trading house licences ensures that successful applicants will be fully equipped to serve the needs of smaller Irish firms. The range of Irish products carried by a special trading house will be limited only by its ability to demonstrate its capacity to successfully market the products in question.