asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the data base for the assessment of value for money of State aid for industry as promised in the Review of Industrial Performance, has yet been established; if he will indicate the categories of data involved; the method of collection of data; and the methodology to be applied in the use of the data.
Written Answers. - State Aid for Industry.
170.
The Deputy will appreciate the complexities involved in establishing and developing computerised database systems and the necessary planning and investment which must take place before such systems become fully operational. The necessary preparatory work is proceeding in the Department and, while it is my intention to have a system operational as early as possible, it will be some time yet before it will be in place.
The categories of data which will be included in the data base will be such as to be consistent with effective assessment and examination of the economic variables relevant to industry. Specific software may be required to assist in the collection and evaluation of this data. As the database develops, its operation will be reviewed and the constituent elements modified or augmented as necessary.