Address by Minister Martin at the Official Opening of the National Crafts Fair of Ireland

on Wednesday 6^th December 2006

Tá an-áthas orm bheith I bhur láthair ar an ocáid seo. Tá me buoch dibh as an cuireadh agus an fáilte forchaoin a chur sibh romham.

I am delighted to be here today to open the National Crafts Fair of Ireland. My special thanks go to Mr Patrick O’Sullivan and his team for their work in making this fair a success, year after year, and to all the exhibitors.

If I can paraphrase George Bernard Shaw by saying “No person who is occupied in doing a very difficult thing, and doing it very well, ever loses their self-respect”. This truly applies to the Crafts sector. A pride in craft and the desire to produce beautiful and functional work are what defines craftspeople. Like workers in any sector, however, most craftspeople also seek to earn a living from their craft. Hopefully you will make a lot of sales at this fair.

From small beginnings over twenty-five years ago, when a handful of craft workers came together to show their work, the National Crafts Fair of Ireland has grown and expanded. Today, we see the work of over 450 exhibitors, representing talent from all over the island of Ireland.

Looking around the Fair, it is clear that not only is there a great variety of goods on offer for the discerning shopper, but also a high standard of talent, flair, top class standards, design and originality. The shopper is assured that in making purchases from the Fair over the next few days, not only will they be supporting home industry, but they will also have a quality product that will either provide pleasure or usefulness, or both, over the years to come.

This Crafts Fair is now the most important direct retail fair for craft and gifts in the country, and is appropriately timed in the run-up to Christmas. It displays a vast array of goods for the discerning shopper. A vetting committee process ensures that the highest possible quality standards have been attained. It can also be an opportunity to talk to the designer/manufacturer of the goods on display. This personalised approach is a valued addition to Irish consumers when selecting their gifts, making them all the more special as a present.

With such a large number of exhibitors displaying their wares this year, there is something here to suit every taste, be it knitwear, jewellery, pottery, furniture, glass, ceramics or more eclectic items. If your taste is for food, I would recommend a visit to the fair’s ‘Christmas Food Festival’, an upmarket, dedicated food area that has been introduced as a response to the growing popularity of small food producers, at the fair in previous years.

The craft industry is of significant importance to the Irish economy, and to Irish society, not least because of the important regional economic spin-off that these companies create. Viable local economies, many in rural areas, can often be sustained by the local craft industry. Craftwork, while demanding, can also be very flexible as the craft worker can, and in many cases does, work from home. Such home industries can be very important for tourism, the local economy and add to the quality of life in many small towns and villages around the country.

The craft worker must, of course, get the product to market. Direct selling from a retail outlet attached to the manufacturing workshop is the dominant route to market for craft companies of all sizes. Selling directly to the consumer, via retail fairs such as this, is expected to become the second most popular method of generating sales, overtaking the wholesale route. That is why fairs such as this, are so vital for craft workers.

The Crafts Council of Ireland reports that sales in the craft industry are estimated at €132 million for 2005. Nonetheless, the performance of the industry in recent times serves to underline its exposure to the global economy. We must take note that the Irish craft industry is facing increased competition, particularly from developing countries with low wage costs. Irish craft workers must rise to this challenge by focusing on adding value in areas such as product design and innovation.

Research has shown that companies who invest in design and new product development can reap excellent financial rewards, and find new markets for their products. Recent surveys of Irish consumers show that design is the main driver for craft purchasing. It is only when good design sets the stage that the value addition of ‘hand made’ is taken into consideration in higher pricing.

Dublin is now competing against other major world cities for the important Christmas market. A growing number of Irish people are travelling to cities such as New York, Prague, and Munich etc. at this time of year, and a large amount of money is being spent in shops overseas. Shoppers in Ireland are becoming more discerning and their expectations are being set by global experiences. Ireland’s future prosperity increasingly depends on the performance of its indigenous industry, both on the domestic and world markets. The strategic development issues for your industry include how to become more competitive, more novel and more innovative.

Of critical importance is the matching of products to customers. Contemporary tastes can change in the same way that fashion does, and so demand changes also. It is

crucial, therefore, that craft workers are continually alert to changing customer and market needs, both in Ireland and in world markets. The Crafts Council of Ireland, which provides an extensive range of supports to the craft industry, has an important role to play in respect of this. I am confident that Irish craft will continue to rise to such challenges, and I would like to thank everyone here today for helping in this task.

Finally, I would like to thank again Patrick O’Sullivan, the organiser of the National Crafts Fair, for inviting me here today. This fair has become a highlight of the Christmas shopping scene. As you browse around the stands, I would encourage you to consider buying that distinctive present for someone special. When you buy at this Fair, you can be assured that you have purchased a craft piece that can compete with the best in the world.

Is iontach an obair atá ar siúl agaibh. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.

ENDS

ETE 1678