Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Particular concerns have arisen in rural areas regarding job losses. The announcement by Aer Lingus of 1,500 job cuts will have an effect on the Shannon region, there are concerns in the Limerick region for the future of Dell and today 14 jobs were lost at Knock airport.

What is the Department's current position in respect of decentralisation? Has approval to proceed been received from the Minister for Finance and has a site been bought? When can we expect work to commence on the project?

Has the Minister entered discussions with his colleagues on fostering new ideas for job creation in rural areas? Has he held discussions with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources regarding broadband? The European average for broadband availability is 20% but this country is only at 17%. Many rural areas cannot access broadband services and I want to know what discussions have been held on addressing that so that employment can be developed.

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