Mr. Frank Ryan:

Obviously, the employment control framework is in place; therefore, posts in Enterprise Ireland are very tightly controlled. We were given permission in the past two weeks to fill the vacancies overseas and within two months will be back up to full capacity. However, we have asked for permission to increase our overseas numbers by 20, as there are opportunities for us. In fact, an approach to servicing Taipei better could be part of this. We have discussed the opportunities with companies and our figures are not based on our own estimate of what could be achieved. We hope the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform will give a favourable decision on our request in the very near future.