Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for the reply but it will come as no surprise to him that I am particularly disappointed about the decision made not to continue a level of operational expenditure for Galway and Sligo. With particular reference to Galway, the chamber of commerce and the business and tourism interests in the region have put forward a strong and compelling case to retain a level of funding. The Minister will be aware from the various presentations made to his Department that the ongoing requirement is in the region of approximately €1 million. I do not want to suggest that €1 million is not much in the current climate, as it is, but it can be considered in the overall context of the significant spend of the Department at €600 million in the course of a year.

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