asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the EC proposes to extend the coverage and extent of the EURO Guichet system of information on EC-wide business opportunities; and if he will arrange to ensure that private sector bodies will be able to tender to provide such information systems here in Ireland, or if such a system will continue to be confined, as of present, to public sector agencies.
Written Answers. - EURO Guichet Information System.
44.
The European Commission Task Force for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises have proposals to extend the European Business Information Centre programme.
In line with phase one of the programme, the Commission and member states envisage participation as host organisations by both the public and private sector. Indeed, the selection of Coras Tráchtála and Shannon Development as host organisations in Ireland was made by the Commission Task Force following evaluation of tenders received from both public and private sector organisations.