asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will detail the objectives and functions of the proposed industrial development consortium.

Arrangements for the establishment of the type of body mentioned in the question have not been completed. Accordingly, I am not yet in a position to provide in detail the information sought by the Deputy. Broadly speaking, the body would be concerned with accelerating the pace of industrial development and job creation and to that end with the monitoring and co-ordination of the activities of State agencies and other organisations concerned with industrial development.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Government's views in regard to the Consortium were mentioned at the meeting with representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 23rd September last. I indicated then that I would be prepared to meet representatives of Congress at a later stage to discuss further the role of the consortium and related matters.

Will the consortium require new legislation?

No. The consortium will not require new legislation, and the Minister will be making an announcement regarding this at an early date, possibly within the next two weeks.