Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004
119 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the work permit application in the name of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34001/04]
View answerThe work permit section of my Department took a decision to refuse this permit due to the fact that the above named employee has worked since May 2003 without a work permit and has resided in the State since January 2003 without an up-to-date residency stamp. Having considered an appeal the work permit section recently took a decision to uphold the original decision in this case.
120 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the further progress which has been made in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the enterprise strategy group report, in particular, with regard to the future role and structure of Enterprise Ireland. [34047/04]
View answerThe enterprise strategy group was established by the Tánaiste to prepare a report that would serve as a blueprint for an enterprise strategy for growth and employment in Ireland. Under its terms of reference, the group was asked to develop a medium-term enterprise strategy and propose and prioritise national policy responses which would: strengthen the competitiveness of Ireland's enterprise environment; promote the emergence of an innovative and knowledge driven economy; ensure balanced regional development; sustain, where feasible, those industries already providing significant employment; underpin the industries of the future where Ireland is or can become a substantial player with particular reference to segments of the ICT, life sciences, food, financial services and internationally traded services sectors; encourage business start-ups and companies with potential for growth; and examine the scope for increasing the value of sectors to the economy as a whole.
In this context the group was asked to take into account a number of important domestic and external factors which will determine our future growth potential. These included long-term international trends in globalisation, EU enlargement, technology and regulation, as well as in the developing structure of industries and markets and Ireland's increased prosperity and changing cost and competitiveness base.
The Government considered the report of the enterprise group in advance of its publication on 7 July last. Due to the large number of recommendations made and the fact that they impacted on a number of Departments and agencies, the Government decided to set up a high level committee to consider the implications of the report and the best manner to address its recommendations.
The report contains 51 recommendations, approximately half of which are appropriate to Departments other than mine. Accordingly, ten Departments were represented on the committee. Given the widespread nature of these recommendations, their importance and, in certain cases, their complexity, detailed analyses and extensive consultations were required. My understanding is that the committee expects to finalise its report in the near future and I propose to present it to Cabinet colleagues immediately thereafter.
It is my intention that a specific plan will be drafted on each recommendation to be implemented. These would be closely monitored to ensure their implementation within a specified timeframe.
While it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific recommendations in advance of receiving the report of the high level committee and communicating my views to Government colleagues, I am aware that some of the recommendations in the report reflect initiatives already under way or envisaged in Departments and agencies. For example, prior to the publication of the enterprise strategy group's report in July of this year, the Government on 22 June 2004 approved a new co-ordination and governance system for STI, which included the establishment of the position of chief science adviser to the Government, a post which was filled with effect from 1 September.
I do not need to outline the challenges we face in an increasingly competitive environment. The decisions we make now must ensure Ireland remains a dynamic economy. I look forward, therefore, to receiving the report of the high level committee.
