Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

Some discussion has been going on in the mid-west on future arrangements regarding which agencies will be responsible for industrial development in the mid-west area. Since 1959 Shannon Free Airport Development Company has had the main responsibility for promoting local and overseas industry in the mid-west region and has had a good record of achievement. A view is now being put forward that the mandate might changed and a remit given to Enterprise Ireland, the IDA or a combination of both. It would be timely for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to come to the House for a discussion on the future arrangements for the management and development of industry in the mid-west region between IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development Company, county development teams and enterprise agencies of one kind or another. We need to get some clear indication to give sense to a situation which is in need of overhaul.