Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There is no doubt that there is an embargo on job creation in Údarás. Last July, the chief executive or a spokesman for Údarás made clear that it had 250 jobs for the Gaeltacht areas but the Department of Finance issued an embargo. Údarás had the money in its budget but was not allowed to spend it. The same embargo was, however, was lifted for the Industrial Development Authority, IDA, and Enterprise Ireland. There is discrimination against Údarás, rural Ireland and jobs in Gaeltacht areas.

Has the Minister asked the Minister for Finance to lift this embargo? Has he spoken to Údarás about the 250 jobs it proposed to create in the Gaeltacht areas which need it? Gaeltacht areas in constituencies represented by Deputy McGinley's, myself and the Minister have lost many jobs. What is the Minister doing about the 250 jobs Údarás will create if it gets approval for grant aid from the Department of Finance which is holding that back?

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