7.—(1) The functions of the Agency shall be—

(a) to develop industry and enterprise in the State,

(b) to promote, assist and develop the marketing of goods,

(c) to promote, assist and develop the marketing of service industries (within the meaning of the Act of 1986),

(d) to assist enterprises in strategy assessment and formulation,

(e) to develop the technological base and the capacity of enterprises to innovate and undertake research, development and design,

(f) to strengthen the skills base in industry,

(g) to provide services which support such development,

(h) to make investments in and provide supports to industrial undertakings which comply with the requirements of the enactments for the time being in force,

(i) to administer such schemes, grants and other financial facilities requiring the disbursement of European Union and such other funds as may from time to time be authorised by the Minister with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance,

(j) to apply for and receive, in the State or elsewhere, any trade marks, licences, protections or concessions in connection with trade or the marketing of goods or services, and in relation thereto, to do all such things as the Agency considers necessary or desirable for the purposes of its functions,

F1[(k) to carry out such other functions as may from time to time be assigned to it by the Minister.]

(2) The Agency shall have all such powers as are necessary for or incidental to the performance of its functions under this Act.

(3) The Agency may perform any of its functions through or by a member of its staff or a member of the staff of Forfás seconded to it duly authorised by the Agency in that behalf.

(4) Nothing in this Part of this Act shall be construed as affecting or limiting in any manner the existing functions of any Minister of the Government in relation to exports.

(5) The Agency shall, in respect of the promotion, assistance or development of the marketing and promotion of any goods or services in relation to which a Minister of the Government exercises any function, act in consultation with that Minister of the Government.