Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if progress has been made in relation to implementing the new mandate for Shannon Development announced in July 2005. [13720/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated in response to previous Dáil questions, following detailed consultations with the board of Shannon Development, other stakeholders and regional interests, on 28 July last I announced my decision on a future mandate for the company. Under the terms of the new mandate, Shannon Development is being given a more focused regional economic remit that will complement the roles of the national agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in attracting foreign direct investment and developing the indigenous enterprise base in the region. The company will also continue to be responsible for providing appropriate property solutions for both indigenous and overseas enterprises throughout the Shannon region and for the management and development of the Shannon free zone industrial estate.

Talks are ongoing between Shannon Development trade unions and officials from my Department to clarify the terms of my decision and I expect this process to be brought to a conclusion shortly. At my request, the company is preparing a new corporate plan to reflect the new mandate. I expect to receive the new plan in the near future.