Vol. 480 No. 2
46 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether there will be a role for the public sector in the implementation of the commitment by the Government to support industry in creating more jobs. [13767/97]
The public sector will certainly have a role in supporting industry in the creation of employment.
In the first instance, as was highlighted in the Culliton report, efficient and cost effective services in the areas of electricity, gas, telecommunications, ports, etc., are a vital element in determining the overall competitiveness of an economy. Government policy will be directed to ensuring that we make even further progress in these areas, particularly where public utilities are providers of such services. The Deputy will appreciate that public sector support for industry does, of course, cover a much wider spectrum, ranging from education to training to services in the areas of science and technology.
Second, the industrial development agencies will continue to play a very active role in attracting foreign direct investment and in supporting the development of Irish companies, including new start-up companies.
Third, to the extent that public sector companies can find profitable areas of sustainable development, these will, of course, be encouraged.
