Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the witnesses for coming and for giving up their time. It is much appreciated. In a recent article in the Irish Examiner, Mr. Barnes acknowledged that spending to support the recovery over the coming years is the right thing to do. He also noted the fiscal challenges that lie ahead of the next government. SMEs, which are indigenous businesses, will obviously be key to the economic recovery. Will Mr. Barnes tell me more about the specific stimulus packages which will need to be introduced? I would also like to tease out further Deputy Foley's point about the need for balanced regional development. I come from Waterford in the south east. It is a region that has underperformed since the last recession. Does Mr. Barnes believe that support should be tailored to specific regions?