John Bruton
Ceist:8 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the work programme for 2000 of the public sector group for the IFSC which is chaired by his Department and co-ordinates and monitors progress. [6027/00]
Written Answers. - International Financial Services Centre.
I published the Government's Strategy for the Development of the International Financial Services Industry in Ireland in March 1999. The strategy sets out a vision for the development of this industry in Ireland, building on the success of the IFSC.
The strategy seeks to maximise the level and quality of employment in the industry and to enhance links with related sectors. It contains an implementation plan based around 19 priorities. One of these priorities was that relevant Departments and agencies would nominate liaison officers where they did not already exist. These officers meet on a regular basis as an IFSC public sector group, chaired by my Department, to ensure that the strategy is implemented. The group met for the first time in March 1999 and has met a total of six times since then.
The success we have achieved in implementing the strategy is evident from the progress report which was initially prepared by the public sector group and was subsequently submitted to Government on 22 February. This demonstrates continued strong performance in business growth, employment and re-development of the docklands. A copy of the progress report has been placed in the Oireachtas Library.
The IFSC public sector group will continue to meet on a regular basis during the course of 2000 to co-ordinate and monitor implementation of the strategy and to address other appropriate issues.