asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the names and functions of the commissions, committees and State-sponsored bodies set up by him or proposed to be set up by him since taking office.
Written Answers. - State Bodies.
129.
The information requested by the Deputy is as set out below.
A. Commissions, committees and State-sponsored bodies abolished by the Minister since taking office:
National Board for Science and Technology;
The National Board for Science and Technology (NBST) was abolished on 1 January 1988 by means of the Science and Technology Act, 1987.
The function of the NBST was to develop science and technology in Ireland.
These functions were transferred to the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, which was renamed, by virtue of the same Act, Eolas — The Irish Science and Technology Agency.
B. Commissions, committees and State-sponsored bodies set up by the Minister since taking office.
In January 1988 the Government decided to establish two groups under the aegis of my Department.
Overseas Consultancies Group: This group Group was set up to give a major impetus to the development of opportunities in overseas consultancies.
National Marketing Group: This group was set up to advise the Government on practical measures to boost the export and domestic marketing performance of Irish firms.