Vol. 449 No. 2
65 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he is committed to the full implementation of the Operational Programme for Industrial Development 1994 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/95]
I am committed to the full implementation of the Operational Programme for Industrial Development 1994-1999. The programme represents an agreed approach between the EU Commission and Ireland to industrial development up to 1999.
I agree fully with the objective of the programme — to promote the development of a strong internationally competitive enterprise sector in Ireland comprising both indigenous and non-indigenous companies that will make the maximum contribution to self-sustaining employment growth — and the measures being implemented to achieve that objective.
As I indicated when I launched the programme on 23 January 1995 the programme is a dynamic rather than static tool for development. It is open to adjustment — through the partnership arrangement with the Commission — and I have no doubt that over the next five years measures will be subject to change and re-orientation to meet changing circumstances and priorities. In this context, I am initiating a review of existing policy to identify changes in strategy that may be necessary to meet emerging challenges.
