Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2012
115 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he has established the possibility of merging Forfás into his Department as per his public services reform plan; if it will now be necessary to merge the two entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6007/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Public Service Reform Plan, which was published last November, includes a commitment to establishing the scope to merge Forfás into the Department.
Since its establishment in 1994, Forfás has played a key role in providing policy advice, research and analysis on matters pertaining to enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation. The agency also supports the work of various other bodies, such as the National Competitiveness Council, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation. Forfás also carries out a range of shared services, including pensions administration, payroll operation, and accommodation services, on behalf of other agencies.
However, there is an imperative, at this point in time, to examine all aspects of public service delivery to determine how best to maximise the strengths available across the public sector, including in relation to enterprise policy formulation and implementation.
In this context, I have been considering how best the available resources in Forfás and my Department can be collectively harnessed in order to further enhance the formulation and implementation of national enterprise policy. I have consulted with the Board of Forfás on this matter and I am currently considering their views.
I have also asked the Secretary General of my Department to examine, with senior officials from Forfás, the practical implications which might arise from the integration of Forfás with my Department.
116 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is satisfied with the adequacy of staff cover in the Industrial Development Agency and Enterprise Ireland in Dundalk and in County Louth as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5941/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Employment Control Framework, which is the mechanism for the management of reduction of overall staff numbers, my Department has agreed staff numbers and annual operational ceilings with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. These relate to the staffing levels of my Department, its Offices and agencies, including Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. The issue of staffing of their individual local offices is a day-to-day operational matter for the agencies themselves and not one in which I have any role or function.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland share an office in Dundalk. The office services the North East Region which encompasses counties Louth, Monaghan, and Cavan. The staff complement within Enterprise Ireland is six executives, and a Regional Director with responsibility for the Border Region and links to Northern Ireland. IDA has a complement of three staff consisting of one Regional Executive, one Property Executive and one Executive Assistant.
All Enterprise Ireland clients based in Co. Louth are assigned a Development Advisor who works in a holistic way, across all the business functions of the company, to maximise sustainable exports and jobs in Ireland. Through its Dundalk office, Enterprise Ireland provides assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses to develop and test business propositions which are at an early stage, ensuring there is a supportive environment for start-up companies and the provision of direct financial assistance for High Potential Start-Ups in Louth.
IDA Ireland continues to market the North East Region for new inward investment mainly through its Gateway of Dundalk, in line with the Government's National Spatial Strategy (NSS). The agency works closely with its 21 client companies in Louth that currently employ approximately 1,500 people.
The challenge of reducing staff numbers across the Public Sector means delivering the same high-quality services in an even more efficient manner. However, I am satisfied that the policies and initiatives being pursued by the two agencies will continue to bring about industrial development and employment opportunities for Co. Louth, as evidenced by the recent announcement by Prometric of the creation of more than 100 jobs at its Test Development Solutions HQ in Dundalk. In addition, my Department will continue to work closely with both agencies to assist them in meeting the challenges they face in carrying out their mandates.
