Tánaiste Launches Craft's Council Strategic Plan Irish Crafts to be Recognised for Excellence and Innovation - Harney "Seasonal Opportunities for Irish Crafts"

Tánaiste Mary Harney today (Monday 29th November, 1999) launched the Craft's Council of Ireland's three year Strategic Plan 2000-2002 in Dublin Castle.

Speaking at the launch the Tánaiste said "This plan is a very comprehensive analysis of the crafts industry in Ireland. It recognises the strengths and opportunities as well as the challenges facing the industry as we enter the new millennium. It sets out the Council's vision for the crafts industry which is to ensure that "Irish craft is recognised and valued world-wide for its excellence and innovation in design and production". The aim of this plan is to help make this vision a reality".

The CCI aims to take a pro-active role in being the facilitator, driver and focal point of the crafts industry. It has set a number of specific economic, marketing, development and various other targets to be achieved during the period, which reflect its twin focus on its own position and on the position of the industry and crafts people. These targets include increases in sales and professional income, launch of new craft products and its own web-site, and increase the pool of craftspeople approved for the Quality Mark.

The Irish craft industry is facing increased competition, particularly from developing countries where wage costs are low. In the face of such competition "it is essential that we respond to this challenge by focusing on adding value in other areas, such as product design and innovation," the Tánaiste said.

In common with other sectors, the crafts industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers but "the plan the Council proposes takes a pro active approach to ensure there is adequate training available in the industry. One of the key roles of the Crafts Council as set out in this plan is to identify and pre-empt training gaps and when necessary, provide basic, advanced and accredited training courses," the Tánaiste said.

Continued development of all the regions is a priority of Government and the Tánaiste said she would like to see further economic and social development in all of the regions in the country and "the crafts industry is strongly represented in our rural areas, helping to sustain viable local economies. This is yet another reason why this strategic plan for the future of the crafts industry is so important."

The Tánaiste said this was a very appropriate time to highlight the range of products provided by the Irish Craft Sector. "This festive season provides great opportunities for the industry and consumers should consider the purchase of quality craft products as ideal gifts."

The Tánaiste congratulated Frances Ruane and Leslie Reed and all of the members of the Crafts Council of Ireland on their initiative and commitment in producing the strategic plan for the Council and the craft industry.