asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will outline the progress to date in the matter of import substitution.

As I indicated to the Deputy in reply to a previous question from him on this subject, I believe that import substitution can best be achieved through Irish firms being in a position to compete successfully with imports in such areas as price, quality, product development and delivery performance. Irish firms can avail of the extensive services and expertise of the State agencies in assisting them in this regard.

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland is generally precluded by its EEC obligations from restricting the import of materials produced in other member states. However, I am anxious to encourage Irish firms generally to maximise business opportunities available to them. Examples of recent initiatives by me in this area are the discussions with certain commercial State bodies, the Irish Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management and the retail and wholesale grocery trade, to identify a positive role for them in the development of small business.