Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Responsibilities.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

47 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment her policy priorities as Minister; the organisational changes, if any, she intends to make in her Department; the responsibilities, if any, her Department will have in relation to science, technology and innovation; if there will be an Office of Science and Technology in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13755/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Miss Harney)

My priority in office will be the implementation of the policies set out in this Government's programme.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that in the short time since I have taken up office, it has not been possible to decide what organisational changes, if any, I would make within my Department.

The current functions in relation to science, technology and innovation will continue to operate under the aegis of my Department. I propose to delegate these functions to Deputy Michael Smith, who has been appointed Minister of State at my Department.

I point out that Deputy Smith has also been appointed Minister of State at the Department of Education with special responsibility for science and technology. The Minister of State's responsibility spanning both Departments will help secure the synergy between the worlds of education, technological advance, research and work. By securing such synergy we would hope to ensure that our education system responds dynamically to our changing knowledge base, makes its contribution to that base and that our enterprise sector harnesses the new technologies to improve competitiveness and grow markets. Ultimately, we are seeking to enhance the quality and quantity of work and contribute to the economic and social progress of our society.