asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the work done by his predecessor to implement the promises made in the 1987 Fianna Fáil Election Manifesto to (a) establish a Product Identification Centre, (b) simplify export documentation and (c) encourage export marketing activity through personal tax incentives.
Written Answers. - Product Identification and Export Marketing.
86.
The possibilities for establishing a product identification centre, to assist in bringing forward new products with good export potential, have been considered as part of the ongoing review of the effectiveness of the State's export development services.
To date, however, it has been felt that the objectives of such a centre are adequately catered for through the range of support services provided by existing agencies. Examples of these services are the advanced products programme introduced by Coras Tráchtála in 1988 and the IDA's international linkage programme.
The principal action taken to simplify export documentation was the decision to create a computerised system for all customs entries, both import and export. The system is scheduled to become fully operational in January 1991. Following discussions initiated by my predecessor, the Central Bank revised its requirements for the completion of the Declaration A form for exchange control purposes in connection with export shipments. This documentation is no longer required for exports below a value of £50,000. This revision benefits smaller exporting companies. Procedures within my Department were also improved and most export licence applications are now dealt with within 48 hours.
In addition, of course, the introduction of the single administrative document throughout the EC in January 1988 made a major contribution to this area. This single form is now used in substitution for 15 separate forms which existed prior to its introduction.
As far as tax incentives are concerned, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the special trading houses scheme launched in March 1988. The specific objective of this scheme was to encourage people with export marketing expertise to apply this expertise to the sale abroad of Irish products. As an incentive towards the development of the trading house concept, investments in such companies were made eligible for the tax relief available under the business expansion scheme. In addition, licensed trading houses qualify for a 10 per cent rate of corporation profits tax. These incentives constitute a significant encouragement to those involved in the export marketing area.
The Deputy will also be aware that taxpayers in general have benefited from the substantial income tax reliefs introduced in recent years.