Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will Mr. Moloney look it up before he is next in? It is a model that is used in Ayrshire and Preston.

It is a good idea, regardless of where it is used. It is used in some of the states of America as well. The idea is to add to the overall economic well-being of a state by boosting economic development in particular areas that may be showing weakness in terms of economic activity and, as regards economic equality within local populations, putting in place certain standards, a focus on the environment and a strong focus on social objectives. I ask that the Department examine that model. It is a very simple one. I have looked at it and it has shown in both the cases I have outlined that it has strengthened local economies and shown benefits. It would not necessarily involve the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Typically, some of the money would come from the equivalent of that Department, but some of it comes from local authorities and other public bodies. The Minister for Communities in the North - we do not have a Minister at the moment, unfortunately - published a report on this community wealth-building. It was done by an independent advisory panel. I refer the Department to that. It might be the most useful reference point. I ask that the document be examined. It was published by former Minister Deirdre Hargey's Department. That would be worthwhile. The Department has to do what it has to do, but it is just a suggestion to try to see if there is learning in it.