asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will confirm that the National Enterprise Agency is still in operation; the number of projects it is involved in; and if he will give a firm date for the establishment of the Government's national development corporation.
Written Answers. - National Enterprise Agency.
227.
The National Enterprise Agency is still in operation. Since its incorporation it has received about 40, largely unsolicited, project proposals and inquiries, mainly related to the needs of young technology-based small ventures. A number of these proposals have now been short listed for further detailed appraisal with a view to possible equity participation by the agency.
The NEA will continue in operation on a temporary basis pending the establishment of the National Development Corporation, detailed proposals for which will be put forward in the context of the Government's forthcoming White Paper on industrial policy. It is not possible at this stage to give a firm date for the establishment of the NDC.