Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State but unfortunately he answered every question but the one I asked. On 7 March, I was told in the Dáil that a steering group was being established to advance the process. Legislation is required to abolish county enterprise boards and set up new structures, and much administrative work must also be done. The work can be done simultaneously.

Currently, county and city enterprise boards, which are doing much vital work in the midst of a significant unemployment crisis, are living under a sword of Damocles, with an element of uncertainty palpable. The people involved know a change is on the way. In order to focus the operation and get it running, I ask on behalf of the people working in county and city enterprise boards if the Minister of State will give some indication of approximately when the new system will be put in place.

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