Written Answers Nos. 2564-2583
2564. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a breakdown, by Department or office, of the percentage of employees who have disclosed a disability for the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20202/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities for 2015 – 2024, commits the Government to progressively increasing the statutory target for the employment of people with disabilities from 3% to a minimum of 6% in the public sector by 2024.
As the Deputy will be aware the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) was established in July 2020. The table below outlines the percentage of people with disabilities employed by my department since it has been established up to and including 2022.
|
Year |
Percentage of staff that declared a disability |
|
2020 |
3.68% |
|
2021 |
3.% |
|
2022 |
9.92% |
2565. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason part-time students attending Kings Inn are not currently eligible to apply for a SUSI grant; whether consideration can be given in the context of the student grant scheme 2025 to allow such part-time students to apply for a SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main form of financial assistance available to higher education students is the Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Part-Time, Online and Distance Learning Courses, do not qualify for grant assistance under the Student Grant Scheme.
However, my Department does recognise the need to offer support for more flexible forms of learning and last year, for the first time, a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced. This Scheme provides fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses. Its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
The 2025 Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses has been finalised and opened for applications on 03 April 2025. The 2025 Scheme has 111 approved courses which increased from 62 approved courses in 2024.
Any future expansion of the parameters of the scheme can only be considered in the context of the budgetary allocation, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector.
2566. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the work being undertaken in his Department to increase access to third level education for disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20284/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudents with disabilities has been identified as a priority group who are under-represented in higher education and in need of additional focus under the National Access Plan (NAP).
The NAP sets out the ambition for an inclusive, diverse higher education sector. A target to increase new entrants with a disability from 12.4% in 2022 to 16% by 2028 was set in the NAP. The latest figures available to the Department show this figure has increased to 14.7% for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) 4 supports the implementation of the NAP, putting a particular focus on students with a disability, including those with an intellectual disability.
PATH 4 which is comprised of two phases, aims to support inclusive, universally designed higher education environments and course provision for students with intellectual disabilities.
Phase 1 funding of €5.8m was provided for a range of projects to improve Universal Design across the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) including the roll out of sensory maps of college campuses and autism friendly tours and to assist institutions in preparatory work for phase 2 of this programme.
Phase 2 funding of over €11m has been invested in a pathfinding programme to support the provision of higher education courses for students with an intellectual disability and to inform future policy considerations for students with intellectual disabilities. To date courses have commenced in 11 HEIs across the country with 161 students enrolled.
This year, my Department will commence work on a Disabilities Demonstration Project to look at the most impactful interventions and supports for students with disabilities. This will inform the process of developing a policy framework on the design and implementation of more flexible, responsive, and tailored model of supports and services, and will explore work experience opportunities for students with disabilities in the tertiary education and training system.
My Department has also this year increased the Fund for Students with a Disability (FSD) in higher education, by over 18% to €9,540,900. 17,526 students availed of FSD supports in Higher education in 2024. The purpose of the FSD is to provide funding to higher and further education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities on both full-time and part-time courses so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers.
My Department is also working together with the members of the National Apprenticeship Office’s (NAO) Access and Inclusion Subcommittee. The NAO is in partnership with the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) and consulting with employer groups - via the Access and Inclusion subcommittee - on the development of a guide for employers titled “Tips for Apprenticeship Employers on Disability Inclusion”. The guide is due to be published in 2025.
2567. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if all IT systems used by his Department can utilise the síneadh fada; where this is not the case, to provide the list of systems which do not accept or facilitate the use of the fada, in tabular form; the steps being taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20302/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlmost all of my Department's computer systems can utilise the síneadh fada. The exceptions to this are listed in the table below. The current inability of these systems to utilise the síneadh fada is due to external restrictions which my Department will keep under review.
|
Computer System |
Restriction |
Comment: |
|
Microsoft Entra ID |
User Principal Name only allows the following characters: - A – Z - a - z - 0 – 9 - ' . - _ ! # ^ ~
In addition to the síneadh fada, this constraint also restricts use of all other accent marks, other diacritics, and other special characters in any other language. |
External restriction imposed by Microsoft. |
|
Department of Education FMS (Financial Management System) - Oracle Financials |
Payment file containing síne fadas are not compatible with the external bank’s system and therefore cannot be used. |
External restriction imposed by external bank. |
2568. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of all EU directives which are awaiting transposition in his Department; the date on which transposition is due; and the reasons for any delay in transposition, in tabular form. [20329/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working on two statutory instruments that will give effect to amendments to Directive 2005/36/EC. The details and current status are outlined in the table below.
|
Directive |
Transposition Date Due |
Current Status |
|
Directive (EU) 2024/505 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 amending Directive 2005/36/EC as regards the recognition of professional qualifications of nurses responsible for general care trained in Romania |
4th March 2025 |
The regulations to transpose this Directive have been drafted and approved by the Minister, with formatting and translation into Irish now complete.
The regulations will shortly be formally printed for the Minister’s final signature and adoption. Transposition will then be complete. |
|
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/782 of 4 March 2024 amending Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the minimum training requirements for the professions of nurse responsible for general care, dental practitioner and pharmacist |
March 2026 |
Preliminary Drafting stage |
2569. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of all properties his Department have rented from 2015 to date in 2025, including the length of tenancy; and the amount spent on rent on each property over this time period. [20347/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not rented any properties since its establishment in 2020. All of my Department's official locations are on sites owned or operated by the OPW.
2570. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether an external company is contracted to provide cleaning services to his Department building; and if so, the name of the company and the value of the contract. [20365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a contract with Allpro Services for the provision of cleaning services. The value of this contract is €290,000 exclusive of VAT and is apportioned to multiple locations. It includes services provided to the Department of Education under a shared services agreement.
2571. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether an external company is contracted to provide security services to his Department building; and if so, the name of the company and the value of the contract. [20383/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not have a contract with an external security company.
2573. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are pathways to third level education for individuals without a leaving certificate; to outline these pathways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20630/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the latest National FET Strategy (2020 – 2024), which identified ‘pathways’ as a strategic priority, more school leavers and others progressed to higher education through routes other than the leaving cert route than ever before.
A learner without a Leaving Certificate can enter FET at any point up to Level 4 and progress on to levels 5, 6 and then to higher education. Youthreach provides certification, typically at levels 3 and 4, for those who left school without formal qualifications. Youthreach learners can progress onto courses at levels 5, 6 and beyond, or on to other skills training such as apprenticeships. PLC courses at level 5 are a good option for those without a Leaving Certificate if they can demonstrate ability/experience in their chosen area.
Tertiary degree programmes allow learners to begin a degree in FET and to complete it in higher education. Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing alternate pathways to degrees for those without a Leaving Certificate. There are currently 41 tertiary courses.
Apprenticeships offer work-based learning which combine on-the-job training and classroom learning. There are currently 77 apprenticeships programmes at levels ranging from 5 to 10.
Many higher education programmes, including Springboard+ and Micro-credential courses, allow for ‘recognition of prior learning’ (RPL) to be considered instead of formal qualifications such as the Leaving Certificate as part of their entry-requirements.
Further Education and Training (FET) courses are available at levels 1 to 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and include apprenticeships, traineeships, Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, community, and adult education as well as literacy and numeracy courses.
2574. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update in relation to the provision of a new veterinary course in Kildalton in conjunction with SETU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20688/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, it was decided last September to announce that two programmes in Veterinary Medicine were to be launched, in Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and South East Technological University (SETU).
It is anticipated that this programme will have its first intake in September 2026, with up to 40 students expected to enrol. Engagement with the Veterinary Council of Ireland is ongoing in relation to professional accreditation of these new programmes.
The introduction of a new veterinary programme is significant both for the South East region and nationally and I was delighted to visit SETU recently to meet with the University President Prof Veronica Campbell to discuss the roll out of this programme amongst other exciting developments.
I am aware of the demand for veterinary places from my own contacts and I am conscious of how many students are travelling abroad to study these courses. The programmes will help to meet the skills demands of the veterinary and agri-food sectors and contribute to the retention and development of the vibrant agricultural industry base in the region.
Delivery of the programme will be split between Kildalton College and SETU's Waterford campus. SETU's partnership with Kildalton College will ensure that students will have access to a wide range of animal handling and husbandry facilities. It is my understanding that animal biology and anatomy classes will also take place in Kildalton.
As you can appreciate, delivery of these programmes is complex. Regulatory and curricular approval, staffing, equipment and laboratory facilities must be in place before they can be opened for application. Admissions criteria and entry routes will be determined by the Universities and will be published when the programmes open for application.
SETU has a strong track record of undergraduate education and research activity in disciplines such as Agricultural Science, Animal Health and Welfare, Food Science, Biosciences, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science and Healthcare, and I am very pleased to see that they are building on this expertise as they provide opportunities for students in the region to train veterinarians.
2575. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the locations overseas where new talent and innovation attachés have taken up duty; and the locations where these posts are being considered, in tabular form. [20923/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlobal Citizens 2030 sets out Ireland’s ambitions to embed excellence in talent and innovation into Ireland’s global footprint and is the first international strategy to encompass the breadth of tertiary education, and the whole research and innovation ecosystem. It builds upon Ireland’s many achievements over the past decade and is intended to confirm Ireland’s place as a first choice destination for international talent, and as a thought leader in education, research, innovation and science policy.
My Department appointed the first two Global Ireland Talent and Innovation Attachés towards the end of 2024. It is intended that these Talent and Innovation Attachés will take up their new roles in San Francisco and Boston, respectively, in the summer.
Embedding Talent and Innovation as part of Ireland’s Global footprint under the Team Ireland approach,
my Department will continue working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to appoint additional Talent and Innovation Attachés. However, no decision has been made as yet with regard to the locations of these positions.
2576. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of WTE senior mechanical engineers and senior quantity surveyors employed by his Department in the years of 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025. [20925/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department currently employs one Engineer Grade 1 and one Quantity Surveyor Grade 1. The table below sets out the employment record per grade from 2023,2024 and 2025.
|
Grade |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Engineer Grade 1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Quantity Surveyor Grade 1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2577. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports available to those students fleeing Palestine; if he will lay out plans to increase supports going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21052/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that within the Ireland Fellows Programme, delivered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, there is a specific strand - the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme - which provides the opportunity for successful candidates to complete a one-year Master’s-level programme in Ireland. This currently supports 25 Palestinian students attending 15 Higher Education Institutions.
In common with other regions suffering conflict, students fleeing Palestine are eligible to participate in my Department's International Protection Student scheme. This scheme, which has been in place since 2015 has supported over 100 students. It is directed at three particular groups of students namely asylum applicants, subsidiary protection applicants and leave to remain applicants who have been in the protection system or at the leave to remain, but not deportation order, stage for at least three years and who have been resident in Ireland for three years and are pursuing an approved post Leaving Certificate, undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
In addition, as autonomous and independent bodies, our Higher Education Institutions have also put in place a number of scholarship programmes to support students from Palestine. This includes specific scholarships for Palestinian students in addition to Sanctuary Programmes and Scholars at Risk Programme. These programmes provide financial and other required supports to these students.
2578. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if she will extend the SUSI grant to include graduate entry medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21140/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGraduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is a pathway for degree holders who want to pursue a medical career on an accelerated four-year programme. Students pursuing GEM programmes do so as second degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding. They are also not eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme as they do not meet the progression criteria of the Scheme.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures. The total level of fees to be charged in the case of GEM fees are therefore solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.
The State currently provides a subsidy, via the HEA, to HEIs towards the cost of GEM provision for EU student places. The subsidy provides support for broadening access to GEM programmes by assisting HEIs in providing the courses at lower fee rates for EU students than would otherwise be required for the HEIs to offer the courses on a sustainable basis. In this regard EU GEM students benefit under the arrangements as institutions determine the appropriate tuition fee taking the availability of the State subsidy into account.
In terms of student supports, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan. Students who avail of certain bursaries will now be allowed to retain them, if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a welcome development and will also help diversify the profession.
Students on GEM programmes may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. A rent tax credit may also be available. More information is available on www.revenue.ie.
I very much recognise the significant financial pressures faced by students due to various expenses and the rising cost of living. It remains a top priority for my Department to continue to explore the most effective ways to support students in managing these costs, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to succeed in their studies. My Department will publish an Options Paper in the Autumn which will set out measures to help reduce the cost of education for students and families across Further and Higher Education, Research and Apprenticeships for consideration as part of the budgetary process.
2579. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of score requirement to apply for admission to a course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra2580. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans in place to increase the number of places available to undertake a MSc occupational therapy (professional qualification) in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21223/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2579 and 2580 together.
The provision of qualified graduates in therapy disciplines is a priority for my Department. The postgraduate pathway in therapy disciplines provides an important route for students who have previously completed an undergraduate degree to the entry requirement standard. It is important to note that Higher Education Institutions set their own entry criteria to their programmes in line with their autonomy, including the requirement to undertake the HPAT exam.
The delivery of healthcare programmes is complex and requires multiple parts of the health and education systems working together. Practice education placements are essential to support clinical skills development and the application of theory to patient care and attainment of regulatory required standards of proficiency where applicable.
In July 2024, Government approved the prioritisation of funding to support the expansion of training places in priority healthcare areas including Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy, as well as Physiotherapy.
This funding will contribute to delivering expansion in the region of 35% in these vital disciplines over the next two academic years. Additional places that commenced in September 2024 include expanded intakes on Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Podiatric Medicine programmes in University of Galway, Physiotherapy in RCSI and the introduction of an undergraduate Occupational Therapy programme in University of Limerick.
In addition, 83 additional allied health places for were made available in Ulster University in September 2024. These places included 25 Physiotherapy places, 27 Occupational Therapy and eight Speech and language therapy places. These students are undertaking their practice education placements in healthcare settings in Northern Ireland.
An Interdepartmental working group has been established with senior officials in my Department, the Department of Health, as well as the HSE, the Department of Education and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the HEA. Work is underway to increase the number of therapy discipline places in higher education programmes.
2581. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans to attract world-class researchers to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21271/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResearch, innovation and skills play a central role in strengthening the Irish economy. Continuing to build Ireland’s knowledge driven economy is a priority strongly underpinned by the commitment to enhance Ireland’s research and innovation system in the Programme for Government.
Ireland’s reputation as a reliable and principled research partner is recognised by skilled researchers across the globe. Our world class universities and institutions are places where research thrives.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have been exploring the possibility of undertaking a global talent recruitment drive. Officials of my Department have been reviewing this matter, in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders with the tertiary sector. Any such initiative would focus on strategic areas critical to Ireland’s future economy, for example the life sciences, digital and AI, sustainability, healthcare, semiconductors and food systems.
Ireland’s reputation for academic freedom, strong institutions and industry partnerships make it a compelling destination. Talented researchers and a skilled workforce have been essential in our economic success to date and we will continue to develop those strengths. I look forward to being able to provide further information on these matters in due course.
2582. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide the full list of projects in County Galway for which rural regeneration and development funding has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21129/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a strategic capital investment fund that is key measure in the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future 2021-2025. RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland.
Calls for applications to the RRDF are sought under two categories, Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to larger scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects and manage project spend. As a general rule, the RRDF will provide up to 80% of the total project costs, with at least 20% to be provided in matching contributions by the applicants. For counties in the North West Region, this matching requirement has been reduced to 10%.
Since 2018, RRDF funding of over €31 million of has been made available for 19 projects across County Galway, which are set out in table 1 below.
Table 1: RRDF Projects in Co. Galway
|
Year Funding |
Category |
Project Name |
Location |
Total RRDF Allocation |
|
2018 |
1 |
GTeic Hub An Spidéal |
An Spidéal |
€548,887 |
|
2018 |
1 |
Tullycross Residential Education Centre |
Tullycross |
€1,728,000 |
|
2019 |
1 |
Athenry/Bia Innovator |
Athenry |
€3,396,500 |
|
2019 |
1 |
Regeneration Loughrea, Breaking Through |
Loughrea |
€4,241,897 |
|
2019 |
2 |
Athenry Cross Street and Market Square |
Athenry |
€157,500 |
|
2019 |
2 |
Dunmore Regeneration |
Dunmore |
€180,000 |
|
2019 |
2 |
Kinvara Boardwalk and Walkway |
Kinvara |
€54,797 |
|
2019 |
2 |
Tuam Regeneration Strategy |
Tuam |
€164,756 |
|
2019 |
2 |
Ireland’s National Parks |
Multi-County : Connemara National Park, Coole Park Nature Reserve |
€562,500 |
|
2019 |
1 |
National Parks |
Multi-County : Connemara National Park, Coole Park Nature Reserve |
€478,750 |
|
2019 |
2 |
Geopark Development |
Multi County: North East Galway |
€342,137 |
|
2020 |
2 |
The Beara Breifne Way |
Multi County: East Galway |
€33,333 |
|
2020 |
2 |
Clifden Town Centre |
Clifden |
€792,030 |
|
2020 |
2 |
Portumna Vision 2030 |
Portumna |
€1,192,855 |
|
2021 |
1 |
Portumna Courthouse |
Portumna |
€2,950,749 |
|
2022 |
2 |
Gort Inse Guaire |
Gort |
€798,584 |
|
2024 |
1 |
Athenry Public Realm Enhancement and Community and Enterprise Hub |
Athenry |
€6,075,518 |
|
2024 |
1 |
Creation of Multi-Use Community Facility in Glenamaddy |
Glenamaddy |
€4,003,125 |
|
2024 |
1 |
Tuam Town Hall |
Tuam |
€3,685,359 |
2583. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams available to social enterprises to increase and promote fitness and physical activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18555/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a wide range of business supports available to social enterprises through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), provided they operate on a commercial basis and meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme for which they wish to apply.
Many social enterprises may be eligible for supports such as the free Digital for Business consultancy, Grow Digital Voucher, free Green for Business consultancy, the Energy Efficiency Grant, in addition to access to a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements.
The Deputy will also be aware of the National Enterprise Hub, which can be used by Social Enterprises and provides a centralised signposting service for over 250 Government or agency supports from 29 different Departments and State Agencies.
Information and support can be accessed through the website www.neh.gov.ie or by speaking to an advisor by phone or via live chat. This free service makes it easier to access and avail of business supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors, including retail, tourism and hospitality, food and beverages. It also aims to engage with small businesses who have yet to avail of government support.
Another good source of information is the network of Local Development Companies, that can provide information on funding that is available from across a number of Government Departments and State Agencies. Details of local Development Companies can be found at the Local Development Company Network (LDCN) website, https://ildn.ie/.
I would encourage anyone who seeking information on any business supports, or indeed any existing small business owner, to speak with a business advisor in their Local Enterprise Office, visit the National Enterprise Hub, or contact their Local Development Company.
