David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is important we get clarification on the regional aid guidelines. My understanding in terms of the BMW region is that the percentages are broken up into three categories. If one compares the BMW region to the southeast region across all of the three categories the BMW region is 5% better off. Is the Minister saying that it is his view that following the regional aid guidelines review the BMW region will be at the same level as the southeast and, thus, will not have an advantage?

Will it be that regions that have been under-performing will be on a par but the regions which have been in need of a little assistance will not have an advantage? I am concerned by what the Minister is saying.