Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Acting Chairman and the Minister for their kind remarks.

Since 1997, the Government has spent more than €234 million on job creation in Gaeltacht areas. In that time, 13,763 jobs were created and 13,730 jobs were lost. In total, 33 jobs were sustained over 13 years at a cost of €234 million. That is proof that new ideas are needed.

We need new thinking and new policies for job creation in the Gaeltacht. What plans has the Minister to get new thinking and new investment in the Gaeltacht? The money we have spent over the last 13 years has been spent badly if in that time we created 33 jobs. The Minister has to admit that job creation is not working in Gaeltacht areas. What plans do the Minister and Údarás na Gaeltachta have to create sustainable employment in Gaeltacht areas?

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