asked the Minister for the Environment in respect of the State agencies directly under his aegis, the action which they have taken to establish a five-year development plan to develop overseas services on a consultancy basis relating to the skills and experience of the State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter indicating (a) the number of contracts, if any, which have been obtained and (b) the approximate value of the work which has been obtained.
Written Answers. - State Agencies Overseas Services.
199.
I have recently made arrangements with DEVCO — the State agencies Development Co-operation Organisation — to operate a scheme to promote the involvement of personnel in the environment/local government sector in overseas work, including consultancy work. While the scheme is aimed primarily at local authority personnel and services, it has the potential to cater for other bodies, including relevant State agencies under my aegis.