asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the action he proposes to take to ensure that a worth-while section of farm machinery is manufactured at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

One of the main conclusions of a review of the Irish agricultural machinery industry, which was published in 1982 by the Industrial Development Authority in conjunction with the National Board for Science and Technology, was that import substitution would not in itself provide a sound basis for development of this industry but that development of the industry could be achieved through the export of existing and improved products using the home market as a base.

In that connection, I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave on 7 July 1983 to a somewhat similar question by him. Action as indicated in that reply continues to be taken by the IDA in conjunction with other State agencies.

The Minister said this would not form a base for import substitution. This is one of the areas the committee who are examining import substitution should be looking into. Most of the material imported is very low technology material and could be produced here.

I said the industries should more properly develop through the export of existing and improved products using the home market as a base. It is up to the industry to tackle their problems and use the State agencies whose services are available. I refer specifically to the IDA and An Foras Talúntais who are involved in the recommendations of the committee.