Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The role and functions of FÁS are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The current FÁS strategy statement outlines the vision and direction for FÁS for the period 2006 to 2009. The strategy is closely aligned with the policy goals of my Department and was developed in close collaboration with it.

The current FÁS strategy recognises the changes in the labour market, including the relatively low level of unemployment, and places an increased emphasis on the need to upskill those at work. Additional funding has been provided to FÁS to enable it to increase capacity and activity in this area through its One Step Up programme and other initiatives.

In line with the programme for Government, we will work to expand the role of FÁS to increase the employers' commitment to training, particularly in the SME sector. To date, FÁS has funded management development in the SME sector through two projects run by the Small Firms Association and the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association at a total cost of €2 million. Last month, the FÁS board approved six projects costing €10 million for the same purpose. I also recently established a management development council for the SME sector to facilitate the provision of appropriate management development training for businesses and to promote its importance.

Enterprise Ireland's current strategic plan, Transforming Irish Industry, for the period 2005 to 2007 will be completed at the end of this year. Consequently, Enterprise Ireland is formulating a new strategic plan for the period 2008 to 2010, which will fully incorporate national policy and the findings of the Enterprise Strategy Group and the Small Business Forum. I will consider Enterprise Ireland's new strategic plan in the autumn, in respect of which we are working.

Enterprise Ireland is an enterprise development agency with a mandate to provide a range of different supports and funding options to manufacturing and internationally trading companies. These supports are provided across the full range of business functions on the basis of demonstrated need and in the context of the potential return that may accrue to the State from those interventions. Enterprise Ireland has a wide remit covering the full gambit of business development needs, ranging through marketing, sales, productivity, research and development, management development etc. These supports are provided where appropriate through Enterprise Ireland's business development model. This is a recognition that State supports in assisting companies should be offered in a holistic manner, maximising their impact where they mutually reinforce one another rather than acting as stand-alone offers.

Enterprise Ireland works in partnership with companies. In the context of a long-term business development plan, it advocates and persuades as to the benefits of activities such as management development and training. Necessary supports are provided if it is in the best interests of the company's growth prospects, if need is demonstrated by the company and if Enterprise Ireland's intervention is justifiable.

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