Vol. 461 No. 5
130 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the progress, if any, he has made in promoting industrial clusters and industrial districts as outlined on page seven of the programme, A Government of Renewal; and if the Border region will get recognition in view of the need for industrial infrastructure. [3279/96]
The role of industrial clusters and industrial districts in the economic development process will be dealt with in the review of enterprise strategy currently being prepared by my Department. I expect this to be completed in the near future.
In relation to recognition of the Border in the context of the need for industrial infrastructure, this general issue was dealt with in my reply to the Deputy's question in the Dáil on 25 January last.
I should add that representatives from my own Department, the Department of Finance, IDA Ireland and Forbairt are currently engaged in discussions with Oireachtas members from the Border counties, with a view to ascertaining if some of the EU Delors Initiative funds for the Border counties can be used to provide industrial infrastructure to make the area more attractice for industrial development. Finally, the Deputy will be aware of the Taoiseach's announcement that the Minister of State in his Department, Mr. Donal Carey, will be responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating all funding for Border regions.
