Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 33 together.

The high level group on manufacturing was established under the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement. Its terms of reference as set out in section 7 of that agreement are to review the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and, having regard to initiatives currently under way, identify any further measures that would help to meet those challenges. The group comprises four representatives from IBEC, ICTU and the Government, and is chaired by a senior industry representative. My Department is providing the secretariat for the group.

The group has met on five occasions since February of this year and is examining a range of issues concerning the performance of the sector and the challenges it faces. Since it was established under the auspices of the partnership process, it will report on its deliberations to that forum in the first instance. While it is a matter for the group to determine its schedule of meetings and timescale for reporting, I understand it hopes to complete its deliberations by the end of the year.

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