asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if the IDA are proceeding to implement the decisions already taken to introduce schemes to promote the adoption of small firms by larger companies and to promote the secondment of senior personnel in the management, marketing and technological areas from large to small companies in order to facilitate further development; and when these schemes will be operational.

I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that they are currently drawing up a pilot programme whereby technical experts will be seconded from selected larger companies to assist smaller manufacturing companies develop the ability to supply components to the larger concerns. The pilot programme is expected to be in operation in the second half of 1983.