Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This Bill is part of the work of trying to re-organise government to be more effective. I thank the Vice Chairman, members of the committee and the many people involved in making this integration a possibility. I have always held the view, going back to the time of the Culliton report, which enunciated industrial strategy, when the strong view at that stage was that we needed effective agencies targeting indigenous enterprise and overseas investment, that we also needed a strong Department. What emerged was an advisory body which was semi-detached from the Department. I think that weakened the Department over the years and I feel that this integration will not only rationalise and reorganise institutions but will be a strong support for the Department as a policy making unit, capable of improving support for enterprise and employment and all the various responsibilities in creating the environment for doing good business.

I thank the Deputies for their support. I hope this improves policy making and the ability to influence wider Government thinking about enterprise strategy.