asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate the way in which he has strengthened and extended the monitoring systems to make imports substitution more effective, in accordance with the promise given by him in this matter in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 7 April 1987.

I recently received Government approval for a series of measures aimed at assisting Irish firms to realise their full potential on the domestic market. The measures are primarily aimed at public sector purchasing because that sector is the largest single purchaser of goods and services here.

My Department are currently putting these measures into effect in a way that is consistent with our international obligations.

It is intended to examine and clarify in detail the size and nature of public purchases so as to assist indigenous entities to compete, with a good prospect of success, for the business involved.