Joe Walsh
Question:166 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to secure an industry for Bantry, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10478/95]
Written Answers. - Bantry (Cork) Industry.
The information sought by the Deputy relates to the day-to-day activities of the industrial promotion agencies which operate under the auspices of my Department and is not, therefore, one in which I have a direct function.
The rationale behind the establishment of non-commercial State-sponsored bodies to carry out executive functions of Government is to provide a greater degree of flexibility and freedom than is normally available within the Civil Service and to free Ministers from responsibility for the decisions which the boards and staff of the bodies take in the day-to-day administration of their responsibilities.
I am answerable to the Dáil for the overall policy including the legislation under which IDA Ireland, Forbairt, Shannon Development and the county enterprise boards operate, and also for the Exchequer allocations provided to them. I am not answerable in the Dáil in relation to the specifics of the day-to-day operations of the bodies.
I am, however, informed that every effort is being made by the relevant industrial development agencies to secure a new industry for Bantry and to maximise-maintain job opportunities in existing industries there.