Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I salute the Minister's efforts in respect of rural areas. Coming from one of those areas as I do, our future may be bound to facilitating small and cottage industries. County Westmeath is progressive in this regard, but could the Minister discuss this matter with local authorities?

That some local authorities are not facilitative and are not seeking opportunities are issues that have been raised at the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, of which I am Chairman. Through the strategy group, can the Minister ensure a broad formula is sent to local authorities setting out the objectives of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Enterprise Ireland? Any planning obstacles should be smoothed out and people should not make smokescreen objections to deter others from setting up in particular areas. Instead of facilitating the important employment opportunities provided by small companies, perhaps too much attention is being paid to minimalist objections.

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