Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

This is active intervention. I have already directed the IDA to ensure that 50% of projects should be outside Dublin and Cork. Within that directive, we are placing a spotlight on the south east. While that also includes Waterford, one must consider a region's strengths and its hub and gateway locations and try to build on what exists. The IDA does not have the power to move jobs around and companies can choose locations. We must consider the region as a whole. I hope our intervention will help the entire region and not just focus on its largest city. We will monitor progress.

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