asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the growing concern in the mid-west region following his recent announcement of a major change in the industrial development function of SFADCo; if so, if he will reconsider his decision and give SFADCo the necessary authority to become a comprehensive development agency for the mid-west; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - SFADCo.
6.
I must first of all reject the implication in the Deputy's question that the changes which are envisaged in the role of SFADCo represent a diminution in the status of that company. As I stated in the House on 31 January last, what is intended is that the development company would concentrate in a special and intensive way not hitherto attempted in this country on the development within the mid-west region of small industry, especially indigenous industry, existing and new. I see this as a pilot exercise the results of which will be evaluated at the end of 18 months or two years, when decisions will be taken about the extension of such an intensive drive to other regions. The taking on by the development company of this new role represents a shift of emphasis in the company's industrial promotion role. It does not diminish the importance of this aspect of the company's role but, on the contrary, will give it a new dimension.
I do not want to engage in any argument because it is not appropriate at Question Time to do so, but I put it to the Minister that an additional agency would have a presence, a responsibility and a function in the mid-western region where there will be four agencies involved, namely, the IDA, SFADCo, a county development team and the RDO, reporting to different Ministers, and where there is no co-ordinating agency. Would the Minister reconsider the situation and ensure that there is some co-ordinating agency or authority to co-ordinate the work of the different agencies? Otherwise there will be chaos. I suggest that either SFADCo or the regional development organisation for the region be given this overall co-ordinating responsibility.
The Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy on a number of occasions, and particularly recently in the Seanad, has clarified this situation. I have no doubt that the extra emphasis that has been put on this area and the extra role and drive given to SFADCo will mean that this area will be meeting the target for creating jobs generally as set down by the Government in their manifesto.
The Minister does not appear to have got the point I am trying to make. I ask him to reconsider the situation in the light of the fact that the basic element in successful regional development is co-ordination. There are a number of bodies with different functions and there is no one Minister or Department responsible for co-ordination of their functions. I would respectfully suggest that the Minister reconsider this with a view to assigning responsibility for co-ordination of activities, which is vital to successful regional development.
I do not accept that there is no co-ordination. On the contrary the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy is very much on top of this situation. I assure the Deputy that any co-ordination and any effort needed in the Limerick area and the whole SFADCo area will be handled by the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy.
(Interruptions.)
Order.