Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 287: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the cost saving from abolishing Forfas; if there will be any reduction in jobs as a result; when he expects the process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36117/12]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views that there will be an impact on the provision of independent research and advise on enterprise and innovation policy following the abolition of Forfas; the unit, agency or Department that will take over its role as an independent evaluator of his enterprise policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36118/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

I have announced my intention to integrate Forfas into my Department to strengthen the Department's capacity to develop and implement enterprise policy. The proposal is not driven by the objective of finding cost savings, although some savings may arise in due course if synergies between the two organisations are identified. I do not envisage any reduction in job numbers as a result of the integration.

I very much value the independent nature of the research and advice that Forfas has provided to me since I came in to office. I do not intend this independent thinking to be diminished by the integration process. Forfas's policy and research functions will form the core of a new Strategic Policy Division in my Department. This Division will be tasked with a significant range of policy evaluation, coordination and planning functions. The senior management teams of both my Department and Forfás are committed to ensuring that the integration is operationalised in a way that maximises the outcomes in terms of both developing and implementing enterprise policy.

An Implementation Group, comprising senior management from my Department, Forfas, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, is overseeing the integration project and will consider all of the legislative, financial and staffing implications that arise from the exercise. A project of this nature would typically take up to 18 months for completion.