Amendments Nos. 32, 33, 34 and 35 are related and may be discussed together.
SECTION 34.
I move amendment No. 32:
In page 20, subsection (1), line 19, to delete "Forfás" and substitute "Forbairt".
This group of amendments will reflect the provision in section 3 (1) of the Industrial Development Act, 1995 under which Forfás and each of its agencies may separately hold and have separate title to land and other property. Since the legal metrology service will be under the auspices of Forbairt, Forbairt shall own the property. The property shall comprise land, buildings and equipment at the eight regional centres, on the Poppintree industrial estate, on Forfás industrial estates in Cork, Waterford, Galway, Sligo, Dundalk and Athlone, the Plassey Technological Park in Limerick and equipment at the Glasnevin headquarters. Prior to the Industrial Development Act, 1995 only Forfás could do so.
There are about 80 agencies involved in industrial development. This agency will be involved in certification activities which may require accreditation in future. In particular, this happened in pattern approval. Will metrology certification and accreditation be separate from the National Standards Authority? Will there be two agencies rather than one?
No. The arrangement being made is being made deliberately. It will be under the aegis of Forbairt. Deputy Ned O'Keeffe raises a wider point relating to the proliferation of agencies as he sees it. I see a general election coming because the Deputy's party is responsible for most of them being there.
One could concede it seems there are a great number of agencies for a small country. However, one cannot make a sweeping statement. The building up of indigenous industry was not a high priority when it was part of the IDA's remit. The IDA did very well in attracting large scale foreign direct investment but the indigenous sector was weak because it did not achieve the same focus and was not built up. Forbairt's remit is to focus on the indigenous sector. This service is a small aspect of Forbairt's remit but I am advised there is no need to remove it from Forbairt's aegis.
The National Standards Authority Bill 1996 is before the Oireachtas and it is related to this Bill. Was it not possible to have one agency dealing with the two areas of responsibility? I had intended to put an amendment on this issue. There are too many agencies in the area of job creation and financing and rationalisation will have to be considered.
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 33:
In page 20, subsection (1), line 21, to delete "Forfás" and substitute "Forbairt".
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 34:
In page 20, subsection (2), line 26, to delete "Forfás" and substitute "Forbairt".
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 35:
In page 20, subsection (3), line 32, to delete "Forfás" and substitute "Forbairt".
Amendment agreed to.
Section 34, as amended, agreed to.
FIRST SCHEDULE.
I move amendment No. 36:
In page 23, column (3), line 44, to delete "(4) (a) (5), (7)" and substitute "(4) (a), (5) and (7)".
This amendment is to correct a printing error.
Amendment agreed to.
I move amendment No. 37:
In page 23, column (3), after line 50, to insert "Regulation 24(2).".
This amendment repeals the powers of inspection contained in regulation 24(2) of the European Communities Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations, 1992, SI 424/92. Adequate inspection powers are already provided for in section 10. Section 10(6) provides that this section shall apply in respect of non-automatic weighing instruments. SI 424/92 implements EU Council Directive 90/384 relating to non-automatic weighing instruments, such as weighing instruments used for retail purposes.
Amendment agreed to.
First Schedule, as amended, agreed to.
SECOND SCHEDULE.
I move amendment No. 38:
In page 24, line 40, to delete "S.I.” and substitute “SI”.
Amendment agreed to.
Second Schedule, as amended, agreed to.
Third Schedule agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Report of Select Committee.
I propose the following draft reportThe Select Committee has considered the Bill and has made amendments thereto. The Bill, as amended, is hereby reported to the Dáil.Report agreed to.Ordered to report to the Dáil accordingly.
I thank the members for their contributions. I also thank the Minister of State and his officials for their help.
When I was requested to agree to the members of the Garda Síochána attending I had no hesitation in agreeing on the committee's behalf. I hope their visit was informative.
Can we take Report Stage this day week?
I am agreeable to that but I will have to check with my office.
I am advised the Whips have to agree.
There is a substantial contentious matter and if any progress were legally feasible it may have to go to Cabinet.
It would obviously take time to consider that important amendment.
I do not think it will happen in a week unless the answer is negative.
I urge Deputy Sheehan to lobby his Minister.
I think the Deputy has lobbied enough today.
I thank the Chairman, his staff and the members of the committee for their co-operation.
I thank the Chairman for his efficient chairmanship. I also thank the Minister of State. One thing which has come out of this is that the committees are working and that more is being achieved than on Committee Stage in the Dáil. This Chairman compromises and is very helpful and this committee is the driving force behind the system. Today is another example of its success. I look forward to Report Stage and to the Minister accepting my amendment and helping my friend in the Garda Síochána.
The Select Committee adjourned at 4.35 p.m.