Review of industrial agencies
The Minister said he was considering how to review and rationalise the agencies involved in implementing industrial policy, including whether consultants would be needed.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the plans, if any, he has for the remit and reform generally of State and semi-State agencies with job creation and investment responsibilities.
22.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the body responsible for the review of the semi-State bodies under his aegis; the terms of reference; and when it is expected the review will be completed.
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 22 together.
I am concerned about the wide diffusion of responsibility for the implementation of various aspects of industrial policy and the growing number of functions of State agencies involved in the process. The Review of Industrial Performance, 1986, recently published by my Department, highlighted this issue and indicated that consultants would be engaged to advise on agency rationalisation.
At present, I am considering how best to approach this question including the extent to which it will be necessary to use consultants and their possible terms of reference. I am not in a position as yet to indicate when such a review might be completed.