James Leonard
Ceist:64 Mr. Leonard asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself at the follow up work done by State agencies to the Washington Trade Conference. [6557/96]
Written Answers. - Washington Trade Conference.
I wish to refer to my previous answers of 18 October and 7 December 1995 on this matter. The Deputy can remain assured that I am satisfied with the ongoing efforts of the State agencies in following up actively those business contacts which were made at the Washington Conference and subsequently.
Departments and State agencies are continuing to ensure that appropriate resources are dedicated to the enhancement of efforts to assist in establishing partnerships, technology transfers and joint ventures and other forms of business contacts between US companies and those in the Border region. My reply of 7 December outlined the extensive follow-up activity already undertaken by Departments and State agencies and which has considerable potential to benefit companies in the Border region and beyond. I have no doubt that the conference will lead, in the medium and longer term, to concrete results in terms of increased US investment on the island of Ireland.
The Deputy may wish to be further assured that Departments and State agencies will play a full role in the follow-up conference announced by the White House on 15 March, during the Taoiseach's visit to Washington. The conference will take place in Philadelphia this autumn and will focus on public-private partnerships and efforts to spur growth in the region through trade, investment, joint ventures and strategic alliances.