Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our witnesses might not be able to answer this because it is not their job but I am conscious that they have developed this expertise. Is there a similar body or someone else with that expertise who can assist areas outside that covered by the Western Development Commission? I am not looking for an eastern development commission; the Western Development Commission exists for a good reason and if you prioritise everything you prioritise nothing. I am conscious, however, that while anyone outside that area can contact the European Commission’s office and so on, it will not offer that ongoing support or match it with projects like the Western Development Commission can. Is there a way of creating greater awareness? Who could offer support? Could the Department itself offer greater support to communities? Our guests have a remit, I understand that, and maybe they cannot answer this.