Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I withdraw that comment. I acknowledge that the Senator has a personal opinion on this matter.

I welcome the Minister to the House and I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on the Bill. The new mandate for Shannon Development means that the indigenous industry support functions carried out by Shannon Development will revert to Enterprise Ireland on 1 January 2007, necessitating the transfer of approximately 40 staff from Shannon Development to Enterprise Ireland.

I welcome the Bill, as it provides a statutory guarantee to the staff who are being transferred that their conditions of service and pension arrangements shall not be diminished by virtue of the transfer. I anticipate that the relocation of Enterprise Ireland to Shannon as part of the Government's decentralisation programme will lead to a renewed focus on the development of industry in the west and I very much look forward to this development. I also welcome the fact that Enterprise Ireland has a base in Athlone close to my country and the decentralisation of those services is welcome.

I am pleased that the changes proposed in the Bill will enable Shannon Development to have a more focused, strategic role on the broader regional economic development of the Shannon region. Shannon Development has the resources and expertise to successfully promote growth and innovation in the Shannon region.

The Shannon Free Zone is a most attractive location for foreign direct investment. The company's activities as the regional tourism authority for the Shannon region will also continue to play a key role in the economic development of the region. It makes sense that the staff of Shannon Development, who are currently engaged in development activities with business in the region, are to be transferred to Enterprise Ireland as this ensures continuity for their clients, as well as providing them with opportunities for career advancement.

I commend the work of Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development in the region, and I wish the staff the very best in their new role. Shannon Development has played a vitally important role in the development of the mid-west region. I note its innovation in tourism and in other areas, using a sensible approach which has secured its future and the future of the region. The two bodies have worked together using a united approach and I commend the Bill to the House.