Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the terms of reference of the high level action group on green enterprise; when she expects to receive this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27425/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following a commitment in the Government's Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, Building Ireland's Smart Economy, the High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise was launched in May 2009. The Group is chaired by Mr Joe Harford and comprises representatives of industry as well as senior Government Departments and State Agencies.

In establishing this Group, the Government was cognisant of a Study recently completed by Forfás and InterTradeIreland "Environmental Goods and Services Sector on the Island of Ireland" on enterprise opportunities in the environmental goods and services sector on an all-island basis. The Action Group will build on this report and take into account:

· relevant commitments in the Government's Framework for Economic Renewal,

· the current configuration of supports for businesses operating in or seeking to develop products or services in the green economy,

· knowledge and skills deficits which hinder the growth of employment in the sector. Specifically the Action Group will identify the steps to be taken to:

· Develop green enterprise through encouragement of entrepreneurship, supports for indigenous enterprise and inward investment.

· Further develop education and training structures and systems, at all levels, to best address knowledge and skills deficits.

· Advance the potential for research and development in green technology to enhance Ireland's capacity in this area.

· Ensure that indigenous industry can meet the challenges and avail of the opportunities to supply goods and services to meet green public procurement (GPP) needs domestically and throughout the EU.

The full Terms of Reference and Membership of the Group are available on my Department's website, http://www.entemp.ie/trade/environment/greenenterprisedevelopment.htm.

I expect the Group to Report to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal by October 2009.