Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2005
31 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received the report of the high level group to consider the implications of the report of the enterprise strategy group and the best manner of implementing its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6142/05]
Amharc ar fhreagra78 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations contained in the report of the enterprise strategy group, Ahead of the Curve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6137/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 78 together.
Shortly after the launch of the enterprise strategy group's report in 2004, the Government asked a high level committee under the chairmanship of my Department to advise on the most appropriate means to progress implementation of its recommendations. The Government recently considered and endorsed that committees report, which was broadly supportive of the policy directions recommended by the enterprise strategy group.
As recognised by the ESG, the environment in which our businesses trade is becoming more global, more competitive and our economy has to become more reliant on knowledge and innovation to win business in tomorrow's technologies and markets. To ensure continued enterprise profitability with robust and quality employment creation potential, I have, earlier today, announced the main findings of the Government concerning implementation of the ESG recommendations. Except in a couple of small areas we can now push ahead with getting the ESG's policy options into effect. Indeed in some areas, significant progress has already been made on a number of the ESG's suggestions.
As part of this process I will be making regular reports to Government on progress in implementing the ESG's prescriptions, which are imperative to providing the enterprise economy with the momentum for continued prosperity and profitability.
In drawing up these reports I will be consulting an expert group comprising a number of representatives of the enterprise sector and relevant Secretaries General from Departments will attend those meetings. The expert group will advise me on how implementation milestones are being achieved and any other issues concerning the implementation process.
Putting in place the ESG's diverse and innovative suggestions is not necessarily a simple and straightforward process given the number of Departments and agencies involved. I will rely on the expert group's depth of experience to advise me about any implementation difficulties and how they can be overcome or circumvented.
For the Deputies' information I am providing a copy of my recent announcement concerning the formation of the expert group and the outcome of the high level committee's work.
