I would refer the Deputy to my previous replies of 26 June 1996 and 22 October 1996 to questions concerning the implementation of recommendations contained in the Forfás report "Shaping Our Future" and regarding the status of that report vis-à-vis Government policy. In summary, I have previously indicated that the report is an advisory one which provides a valuable contribution to policy development in a wide range of areas spanning the interests of my Department and other Departments.
For my part, I am keen to use many of the report's insights in the future elaboration of policy in areas such as enterprise strategy, policy on the services sector, addressing skills shortages, improving the incentive to work and promoting sustainable competitive advantage in Irish industry. The use of "Shaping Our Future" in this manner is an on-going and dynamic process involving further reflection, consultation and prioritisation but there is no question of either the Government or myself being committed to the implementation of its recommendations en bloc.