Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Last year, funding was provided by the Exchequer. Eventually, I told companies that, unless the cohesion process was completed, I would withdraw that funding. None of the 2007-13 programme's money was used last year. A new programme is being rolled out, the advantage of which is that, despite starting in 2009, it will still finish in 2013. There could not be a better time for launching a large, positive programme, as it is needed more urgently than ever. I hope it encourages people to consider unexplored possibilities.

On Deputy Ring's second question, we are aware of some companies that will not continue. There was vested ownership-management of the assets that they acquired. It is fair to say that, in most cases, those assets were acquired with some element of State funding. Often, the maintenance of the assets also involved Exchequer funding. We are taking appropriate steps to ensure the State's interests in the assets are protected.

A number of companies do not intend to wind up, but to continue outside the Leader programme. We must ensure the Exchequer's interests in their assets are protected. A process is under way and will be followed to the nth degree to ensure that, as the Deputy will agree, anything paid for by the State is accounted for fully. If staff move, the appropriate assets should transfer with them.

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