AN BORD TRACHTALA/IRISH TRADE BOARD

An Bord Trachtala/Irish Trade Board is the state organisation for the promotion and development of exports.  Its headquarters is in Dublin and they have offices in Ireland, Britain, Europe, America, Asia and Australia.  It has a staff of 300 of whom one third are located in overseas offices.

FORBAIRT

Forbairt is a State Sponsored Body charged with promoting the development of indigenous firms.  The organisation also provides a range of science and technology for enterprises in Ireland.  As part of the overall development of Irish enterprise, Forbairt operated a specific set of policies aimed at promoting new enterprises and growth in Irish service business.

FORFAS

Forfas is the policy advisory and co-ordination board for industrial development and science technology in Ireland.  It is the body in which the state's legal powers for industrial pomotion and technology have been vested.  It is also the body through which powers are delegated to Forbairt for the promotion of indigenous industry and to IDA Ireland for the promotion of inward investment.

FAS

FAS, the Training and Employment Authority, was established in January 1988, under the Labour Services Act, 1987.  Its functions include the operation of training and employment programmes;  the provision of an employment/recruitment services;  an advisory service for industry;  and support for co-operation and community-based enterprise.

PARC

PARC is a subsidiary of Aer Lingus, the Irish national carrier, and it operates a wide range of people-based services throughout the world in healthcare, aviation, management, business and consultancy services.  Its activities range from managing hopsitals and healthcare centres, to servicing government programmes and to providing a product development service to businesses.

Shannon Free Airport Development Company

Established by the government in 1959, the objectives of Shannon Development are to ensure the development of the Shannon region of Ireland through the integrated promotion and development of industry, tourism and aviation for the benefit of the Irish economy and to ensure the growth of Shannon Airport in trade, passengers and services.  As a regional development agency, Shannon Development aims to support the development of manufacturing, internationally traded services and finance service companies through a wide range of support programmes and grant facilities.