Peter Barry
Question:45 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when legislation will be introduced to set up the new industrial agency.
Written Answers. - New Job Creation Agency.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:52 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will set out the timetable for the proposed new super agency for job creation; when it is expected that the agency will be operational; if any additional funds or resources will be made available for the new agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Priority Question No. 45 and Oral Question No. 52 together.
As Deputies will be aware, the Government has considered the recommendations of the Culliton report and the Moriarty Task Force on a number of issues including the matter of agency restructuring. They decided on a structure which met the essence and objectives of the recommendations while ensuring that appropriate linkages and coherence was maintained between the arrangements to promote the development of indigenous industry and those to promote inward investment.
This structure will involve the establishment of a new agency for industrial development with separate and independent divisions for: (i) the promotion, support and development of indigenous industry, and (ii) the attraction of investment from overseas.
There will be separate boards with executive and non-executive members for the indigenous development and overseas divisions, and separate grant-in-aid allocations will be made to each board to achieve transparency as to costs and targets.
I envisage seeking Government approval for the scheme of legislation to give effect to this decision this month and introducing the Bill in the current session. The establishment of the new agency will then proceed quickly after enactment of the legislation.
The question of additional funds or resources does not arise at this stage. I would expect at the very least that the new more focused approach and integrated delivery of services should result in greater effectiveness and efficiency, and in a cost effective manner.