Forbairt chief executive Mr Dan Flinter has emerged as the leading contender to head up the new super-agency, Enterprise Ireland. Up to six people have now been interviewed for the position, with the Irish Trade Board chief executive, Mr Oliver Tattan, also in the running. The successful candidate is expected to be announced next week by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney.

The new agency will be formed through a merger of Forbairt, the Irish Trade Board, and the industrial training division of FAS, and will have the working title of Enterprise Ireland. It is due to be formally established by July 1st.

Interviews for the position were held last week. Candidates, mainly from the semi-state sector, were seen by a three-member panel, which comprised: Greencore chief executive Mr David Dilger, who is a board member of Forbairt; former Bank of Ireland chief executive and agency chairman Mr Pat Molloy; and CRH director of human resources Mr Brian Hilliard. The panel is understood to have now forwarded a short list to the Government, with the successful candidate to be announced early next week.

The Tanaiste will be keen to ensure that the agency is established within the designated timeframe and is expected to move swiftly to push through its implementation. A working group, headed up by Mr Molloy, will manage the merger of the agencies into one new company development agency with responsibility for the development of indigenous industry. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, is working on legislation to allow the creation of the new agency, which should be ready shortly.