Written Answers. - Forbairt Services.
Batt O'Keeffe
Question:
214
Mr. B. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Enterprise and Employment
the concerns, if any, he has that there may be duplications of services between Forbairt, private laboratories and third-level institutions in this country.
[9497/96]
Forbairt was established in 1994 as an organisation devoted to the development of Irish industry. In addition to its direct funding activities, Forbairt provides technology based services to clients on a fee paying basis. Forbairt also administers and manages, on behalf of my Department's Office of Science and Technology, a wide range of EU programmes and works closely with third level institutions to enhance their linkages with Irish industry.
Since its establishment, Forbairt has commenced a fundamental review of all its programmes and services to ascertain the existing and future demand for those services and how the demand can best be met. In carrying out this review, Forbairt is concerned that any duplication of its services with services available elsewhere, where it is found to exist, is eliminated or minimised as far as practicable.
A significant number of Forbairt's programmes and services have been in existence for many years. In the case of its technology services, for example, many of them were initially developed over 20 years ago under the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, at a time when such services were not provided by the private sector. These services have a major contribution to supporting Irish industry in its efforts to meet international standards and to comply with international best practice.
While some of the reviews of Forbairt's services are still ongoing, a number have been completed and the recommendations are being implemented. For example, as a result of a review of its environment programme, Forbairt has decided to concentrate its resources on a combination of awareness raising and training/education services, specialised consultancy and technical services, and advanced monitoring and analytical work. These activities will take place within a very rapidly growing market environment and will ensure the best "match" between Forbairt's services and the needs of companies. Forbairt has also decided to introduce an environmental audit service for companies which will be managed by Forbairt but carried out, to a significant degree, by private consultants. As a result of other reviews, Forbairt may wind down services which it no longer needs to provide to Irish industry.
Forbairt both co-operates with the third level sector and facilitates co-operation between the sector and industry. The principle of minimising or preventing duplication also applies throughout this process.
