Vol. 497 No. 7
2 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason she has delayed the transfer of the National Metrology Laboratory to the National Standards Authority of Ireland; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay is causing difficulties for the staff in the laboratory; when she will finalise the transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26236/98]
The arrangements for the setting up of Enterprise Ireland provide for the transfer of responsibility for the National Metrology Laboratory from Enterprise Ireland to the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Discussions have taken place between the National Standards Authority of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to complete all necessary administrative and funding arrangements to bring about a smooth transfer of this function. I understand discussions will be held with the staff concerned to ensure no difficulties arise around the transfer.
I understand there may be some uncertainty among the workforce while these matters are being completed. The need for proper consultation and consideration of the issues involved will be appreciated. I have been informed the arrangements for the transfer are proceeding satisfactorily.
In the meantime, the work of the National Metrology Laboratory has continued on an uninterrupted basis since the establishment of Enterprise Ireland while these specific and detailed arrangements for the transfer are being finalised.
Is the Minister of State aware that there is more than just some uncertainty among staff? Why in the four and a half months since the establishment of Enterprise Ireland, when a commitment was given that the National Metrology Laboratory would be transferred to NSAI, is it still under the aegis of Enterprise Ireland? I do not accept the discussions are not proceeding quickly enough.
Is the Minister of State also aware the National Metrology Laboratory was unable to participate in a recent Industry Ireland exhibition because of the uncertainty of its future and under what name it would operate? Staff could not prepare any materials under the name Enterprise Ireland because they did not know if the next week they would be operating under the name NSAI. Will the Minister of State comment on that?
Is he further aware that, regarding the National Metrology Laboratory's involvement in the Euro-net system, the European network of metrology laboratories, it is being embarrassed and in danger of having its status diminished because it does not know under what name it will operate? It has operated under the names IIRS, Eolas and Forbairt. It now operates under Enterprise Ireland and will only for a short while. Why is it not moved in the same manner as the legal metrology service?
The key matter is that the National Metrology Laboratory has a job to do. It provides a large range of services to meet today's measurement and calibration demands. Change is happening and, while Enterprise Ireland is a new organisation, the National Metrology Laboratory is carrying out its job.
It is intended to transfer it to the National Standards Authority of Ireland and negotiations are being held to this end. The NSAI, like the National Metrology Laboratory, is an outstanding organisation with an international focus as well as a national delivery of service. We have major plans for NSAI and the National Metrology Laboratory. Four and a half months is a short period in this regard. There is no impediment to the delivery of this service to the people and we will ensure that continues to be the position. We want to get this right and to ensure no obstacle will be put in the way of a smooth transfer of this service. No difficulty has been created in the delivery of this service, and ensuring the delivery of it is my key responsibility. We will ensure, through the negotiation process, dialogue, communication and engagement, that there will be a smooth conclusion to the transfer of this service as quickly as possible.
Is the Minister of State aware that he was able to move the legal metrology service on 23 July into Enterprise Ireland? How much of NSAI's budget has been allowed for the transfer of the National Metrology Laboratory? By what date will the negotiations be finalised?
I have the utmost confidence in officials in my Department, in Enterprise Ireland and in NSAI and in those who will lead the National Metrology Laboratory arriving at a conclusion. Part of the negotiations is to ensure that we transfer a proper budget and that it be agreed in the new year.
The Estimates are out.
That is correct. Enterprise Ireland is involved in this and we want to make sure that everything is in order. Enterprise Ireland has a contribution to make. It is a new macro organisation which, as the Tánaiste pointed out, has brought streams of funding from three areas of activity. This is not a simple matter. We must get the budgets right, take account of human resources and ensure that there is not an adverse effect on the delivery of professional services across a range of areas of activities that are vital to the country. The process is progressing satisfactorily and it will conclude positively.
Would the Minister have preferred that was done before Enterprise Ireland was set up? If that was done, we would not be trying to catch up with Enterprise Ireland, which has a particular mandate, and spending a good deal of time and energy in these negotiations?
The Deputy is an experienced politician and she will understand that Enterprise Ireland is the main structure. One cannot create substructures before creating the main structure. The main structure has been created and the sub-structures and satellites have been created from it and work with it. We are doing this in a professional manner and are confident that the process will proceed in a normal fashion and that everything will be in order for the new year.
