Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1737: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation in view of his statements that Enterprise Ireland and the Industrial Development Authority are getting funding to employ up to 50 people so that they can meet their targets, the impact that this will have on the Western Development Commission; his views on recommendations to amalgamate the WDC into Enterprise Ireland; the way in which funding can be provided to employ extra staff without reference to the skills that are already available in the other enterprise agencies already in existence; his further views on the fact that in view of the reduction in the budget of the WDC and the WDC Investment Fund there are staff that are well qualified to build up enterprises and employment in the West and this lack of budget has meant they cannot effectively do that; the reason the WDC has not been given extra funding; if he will give details of the sort of jobs and the locations being considered; if there is an opportunity for the WDC staff to participate; and the way in which this decision fits into the reviews being done on enterprise support within the State. [32566/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The staffing levels for each Department and its associated offices and agencies will be determined by an Employment Control Framework to be agreed with the Department of Finance. I do not anticipate that the staffing levels for my Departmental Group, including the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland, will have an impact on the Western Development Commission.

I am examining all the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes relevant to my Department. The Group's recommendation in relation to the delivery of indigenous enterprise supports through Enterprise Ireland also concerns a number of other Departments. A decision in respect of the recommendation will be a matter for consideration by Government in due course. Responsibility for the Western Development Commission rests with my colleague, the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Pat Carey.