asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if the proposed new export development scheme referred to in the White Paper on Industrial Policy has yet been implemented; and, if not, if he will specify details of this proposed new scheme and indicate how it is intended to operate it.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the new market entry and development scheme.

Final discussions in relation to the operational details of the scheme are now taking place between my Department and CTT which will be the main implementing body. The scheme will be introduced shortly and will be on a pilot basis initially.

The objective of the scheme is to assist exporters who satisfy rigorous export development and marketing criteria with an agreed proportion of the costs of entry and development into new markets. Repayments by the exporting firms will be arranged so as not to damage the firms' cash flow in the earlier years of the project. Accordingly the exporter is protected by the guarantee in the event of any degree of failure of the new export project.

Funds provided for this purpose by a financial institution will attract a Ministerial guarantee.

Can the Minister indicate what will be the approximate cost of operating this scheme during 1985? Can he be more specific about exactly when it will be operational having regard to the fact that it was promised again in July 1984? Does he regard it as of importance and of urgency in encouraging exports and, if so, can he assure the House that it will be operational and properly publicised to would-be exporters as a matter of urgency?

It was never the intention that this scheme would be introduced before 1985. No money was provided in the 1984 Estimates for Córas Tráchtála Teoranta for it, so that there has been no delay in introducing it. It will be introduced this year as planned.

Is legislation required to introduce it?

No.