asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the progress, if any, made to date on the amalgamation of the NBST and the IIRS; the number of jobs lost or likely to be lost as a result of the amalgamation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - State Bodies Amalgamation.
20.
Legislation is being drafted at present to effect the merger of the IIRS and the NBST. It is the intention to bring the legislation before the Oireachtas during the present session.
The merger is designed to provide a unified support mechanism for science and technology development in industry and services and in the higher education sector.
The board of the new agency will determine, in conjunction with me, the organisation and structure most suited to the tasks demanded of them, and will identify, and implement, possibilities for economies in staff numbers. It would be premature, at this stage, to say what the staff complement of the new agency will be.