Mr. Kevin Sherry:

Let me add to that. Westmeath is a very important region for Enterprise Ireland clients. More than 3,700 people are employed in Westmeath by Enterprise Ireland clients. Employment by the companies in the region grew by 7% last year. We cannot have enough entrepreneurs like Mr. Garrett Moore, whom I know well. He started SteriPack and made it a very successful company. It has since invested heavily in the Imperial Tobacco facility. It was not by accident that the announcement of the regional economic development fund, amounting to €30 million, was made by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, at the IMR facility. It is a fantastic facility and it offers great opportunities to companies. It is about supporting and encouraging entrepreneurs in continuing to develop and grow existing businesses and in starting new businesses.

Last year, we supported 181 companies in starting up. That is very important focus for us. In that area, there is very strong capability. The medical technology companies and the other companies mentioned in this regard have a strong cluster. We see this as a real feature and opportunity.