asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce in respect of overseas consultancy opportunities, the action which has been taken to date to ensure the maximum co-ordination of various State agencies with a view to assisting private sector consultancy firms in obtaining international contracts abroad and benefiting from the direct support of the Irish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Consultancy Opportunities.
39.
The importance of developing overseas consultancy opportunities, not only for the private sector but also for the public sector, was recognised in the Government Programme for National Recovery. One of the significant proposals in the programme to address this was the establishment of an overseas consultancy group chaired by me. This group is now operating and its main focus is to provide a major impetus to the development of opportunities in overseas consultancy general, embracing both private and public sector activity. This work automatically includes consideration of the best ways in which State support for all Irish efforts to obtain international contracts should be co-ordinated and advanced.
So far the group has addressed some key issues in this regard such as: the gathering of timely information on opportunities abroad; the efficient dissemination of this information to firms in the private sectors; and the co-ordination of the national effort both within the public sector and between public and private sectors. The group is at present finalising its proposals to deal with these issues and I hope to be in a position to put these proposals to Government shortly for consideration.
The Deputy will also be aware of the recent launch of International Development Ireland Limited (IDI) which brings together in one organisation the expertise in the overseas consultancy field of IDA, CTT, ICC and SFADCo. This development will strengthen the capacity of the agencies concerned to develop their overseas activities by offering a wider range of expertise and skills. In addition, where the nature of a contract demands, IDI will invite participation by other public or private sector bodies.