asked the Minister for Energy in respect of the State agencies directly under his aegis, the action which they have taken to establish a five-year development plan to develop overseas services on a consultancy basis relating to the skills and experience of the State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating (a) the number of contracts, if any, which have been obtained and (b) the approximate value of the work which has been obtained.
Written Answers. - State Agencies Overseas Services.
284.
The position with regard to the development of overseas consultancy services in relation to the State-sponsored bodies under my aegis is as follows:
Bord Gais Éireann
BGE is at present reviewing proposals for a five year plan. To date BGE has negotiated one contract which has an approximate value of £40,000.
Bord na Móna
Bord na Móna has no authority under existing legislation to engage in consultancy work. The Turf Development Bill, 1988, which is currently before the Dáil, includes provisions designed to enable the board to develop consultancy services, where appropriate. Bord na Móna personnel, on secondment to the Department of Foreign Affairs, have participated in overseas bog development projects.
Electricity Supply Board
The ESB is engaged in a major expansion of its overseas consultancy operations via its newly formed subsidiary ESB International Ltd. Its aim is to provide employment for 500 people with an annual turnover of £50 million by 1992. To date ESB International Ltd. has secured a total of 86 contracts valued at approximately £10 million.
Irish National Petroleum Corporation
INPC's activities are centred on the operation of the Whitegate Refinery whose output is restricted to the quantities required under the Fuels Order, 1983. However, their subsidiary company, Irish Refining Plc., has secured two overseas consultancy contracts to the value of £40,000 per annum.
Nuclear Energy Board
As the Nuclear Energy Board is still engaged in setting up monitoring programmes in Ireland there is little scope at present for developing overseas consultancy services.
Coillte Teoranta
Coillte Teoranta, the State Forestry Company, has only been operational since 1 January this year and has not as yet developed any plans in this area.