asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he has taken to achieve a radical reorganisation and simplification of the industrial promotion agencies, as indicated in the Programme for National Recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Industrial Promotion Agencies.
40.
The following steps have been taken to rationalise State agency structures.
The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards and the National Board for Science and Technology have been merged to form a new unified organisation — EOLAS — to promote the scientific and technological development of Irish industry.
Responsibility for the promotion and development of industry and tourism in the mid-west region, previously carried out by a number of agencies, has been concentrated in one agency — SFADCo — with effect from the beginning of this year.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Manpower agencies operating under the aegis of the Minister for Labour (AnCO, YEA and the National Manpower Service) have been amalgamated in FÁS.