Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 2

Written Answers. - Role of SFADCo.

Michael Noonan

Question:

89 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he intends to restrict SFADCo's mandate to promote industry; if he intends to change the role of SFADCo in any respect; if any legislation is being prepared by his Department which will alter SFADCo's functions; if any committee or group within his Department, or of an inter-departmental nature, is examining the role and performance of SFADCo; and if so, the terms of reference of the group or committee.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

Given the nature of SFADCo's remit, I consider that their functions and responsibilities should be reviewed from time to time to see if improvements can be made. I am already on record as saying that, in my view, the company's current range of activities in relation to overseas industrial development are not satisfactory.

No legislation is being prepared at present by my Department in this area although the overall State agency structures relating to the implementation of industrial policy are under consideration in the context of the Triennial Review of Industrial Performance which I am required to prepare under the terms of section 6 of the Industrial Development Act, 1986.