Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 1997

Vol. 475 No. 8

Written Answers. - Trade Promotion.

James McDaid

Ceist:

22 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will encourage the greater involvement of the private sector with State agencies in the promotion of trade; if his attention has been drawn to the success of initiatives such as IBEC's European Orientation programme in developing a cadre of international marketing executives in this regard; if his attention has further been drawn to the potential of such programmes to improve Ireland's trading performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5999/97]

Minister for Tourism and Trade (Mr. E. Kenny)

As I stated in my reply to a similar question on 30 January, columns 354-5 of the Official Report, the level of private sector involvement in official trade promotions is already very substantial.

In relation to the agency for which I have responsibility, An Bord Tráchtála, I am aware that virtually all of their programmes have a strong private sector element, ranging from the involvement of sectoral groups in the planning of ABT activities to the joint funding, by ABT and individual firms, of marketing investment projects. Under section 6 (1) of the Trade and Marketing Promotion Act, 1991, it is, of course, the board of ABT which determines the detailed means by which assistance is provided to industry.

In relation to the European Orientation Programme, the Deputy will be aware that this is a joint venture administered by IBEC but involving ABT and other agencies in its funding and overall management.