Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will have to review the website to make sure I am on it. I am very disappointed. There is a need for some research on that.

I disagree with the Deputy. I found it useful over recent months to have the Forfás personnel as part of our team in the Department. On a weekly basis, one now has a chance to debate policy and work on solutions. I am highly involved with the staff on the skills agenda and making sure we will not be in a position in a year or two in which we will have many jobs available but no currently unemployed person from an Irish background and who is living here to fill them. The Forfás staff are part of our new policy development work and they are working very closely with us.

The other key area is the science strategy. It is important. The prioritisation agenda, involving the targeting of research and development and innovation moneys over recent years, is very important and has delivered quite a lot for this country. We must ensure the strategy develops over the coming four or five years. I disagree with the Deputy. It is important that the Forfás staff are involved. I note the Deputy's concern that there is no longer independent advice. I can assure him from dealing with the staff around the management table that they are very independent and have very strong views. They have a major role in formulating the Department's plans for budget 2015. In time, the Deputy will see that I am telling him the truth.

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