Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Tom Neville. There are many operating from the ground up. I am going to call on Ludgate, Skibbereen, and PorterShed, Galway. There are many other examples. I have been in Offaly and other counties and have seen what those concerned are doing. The impetus is from the grassroots and communities.

I was recently invited to my own little village, Milltown, which has probably 200 residents. It was remarkable to note the amount of enterprise in that little village. It includes agrifood enterprises and indigenous small community businesses. In total, 200 people were employed in the village, which is on the border in north Galway. Therefore, there are villages of significance in this regard.

Everyone talks about IDA Ireland. I heard Deputy Bríd Smith make points on it but there are hundreds of thousands of people employed. Let us not forget the retail sector. Some 275,000 people are employed right across the sector. I actually chaired the Retail Consultation Forum and put it on my list to ensure that we do our very best for our towns and villages. Owing to the trickle-down effect, people with jobs and spending power can go to retailers and spend. This is so important. It all leads back to having a job. A job gives pleasure and boosts morale. That is why it is so important. The Department works really hard in this regard. I, as Minister, will make sure I bang on the table and am heard.