Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the considerable loss of employment recently in the printing industry here; the measures that will be taken to ensure that all Departments and semi-State organisations will be in a position to support the industry in terms of printing contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24086/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish paper, print and packaging sector comprises approximately 600 companies. It employs in the region of 18,000 people and has estimated sales of €1.6 billion per annum. However, overcapacity in the sector has resulted in rationalisation and consolidation. A number of companies have downsized and closed and further rationalisation is expected. Outsourcing is likely to continue to be an option for parts of the manufacturing process.

In June 2002, the print industry training and development forum was established and, for the first time ever, all the participants in the paper, print and packaging industry came together to respond to a rapidly changing environment. The purpose of the forum is to represent and promote the needs of its members in order to move the industry towards international best practice. State agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, are represented on the forum. In addition, Enterprise Ireland meets with the federation on a quarterly basis.

With regard to the print sector generally, Enterprise Ireland's primary objective is to develop additional export sales and to establish overseas market presence. In terms of jobs, activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new high potential start-up companies and the retention and creation of jobs in existing companies. Research is also supported in companies and third level institutions. Enterprise Ireland will continue to focus its support on key areas that address the needs of clients in both the print and packaging sectors.

In addition, FÁS, in association with Enterprise Ireland and employers and unions within the industry, has undertaken a study of the paper and printing industry. Its report, which will be available in early December 2004, will provide a strategic analysis of the current competitive position of the industry and will include a range of recommendations on the development of appropriate business models and skills sets for the sector.

Finally, as regards printing contracts, under public procurement legislation and European Union treaty principles, public contracts must be awarded on the basis of an open, fair and non-discriminatory process. As the public procurement regime is underpinned by statute, support in the form of discrimination in the award of public contracts is precluded.