Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this important report. I commend the eminent businessman, Mr. Denis Brosnan, and his team for the excellent work they did in preparing the report. The least we could have is the Government taking on board some of its recommendations. We cannot afford the luxury of having another report left to gather dust.

Unemployment in the mid-west region stands at 13.8%, some 1% above the national rate, while in Clare it rose by 121% in the past two years. The most concerning fact is that the number of under-25s on the dole queues has jumped by a staggering 142.3%. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment or the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Dara Calleary, should visit the Shannon Free Zone where they will see many "For Sale" or "For Lease" signs on business premises.

Shannon Airport is the key driver for economic growth in the region but it is facing the most difficult period in its history. It is a crisis that has not been helped by the Government. Ryanair is axing 18 routes out of the airport which had been a boost to tourism over the past five years. This is because the Government has imposed a €10 travel tax.

I am also concerned about Aer Lingus's operations in the region, particularly after the investors' day meeting in London on Monday last when the airline's chief executive officer, Christoph Mueller, said Dublin provides a natural advantage for long-haul expansion westbound. That tells me Aer Lingus is not interested in Shannon Airport or transatlantic business out of it, raising questions about its commitment to the region. While I accept the airline is going through a crisis, the Government should use its shareholding in the company to influence the airline's policy direction.

In last night's state of the union address, the US President, Mr. Obama, focused on job creation policy. He said his administration could slash tax breaks for companies that shop jobs overseas. This would have consequences for the 65 US multinational companies employing thousands in the mid-west region. It could be another factor in the death knell for the region.

I do not want to be just negative. Last July, on the aviation preclearance legislation, I referred to the Lynx cargo project in which the company is willing to invest €12 million in the region. While the Dublin Airport Authority will need to spend €7 million on the project, the money has not been forthcoming. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said she supports the project. If she does, then she should put her money where her mouth is to ensure the Dublin Airport Authority finances the project.

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