Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)

I have spoken to county enterprise boards up and down the State and they have no idea what is happening. There have been no operational changes and there is no understanding of the plan of action and how it will be implemented. Will there be a centralised structure for the administration of grants? Will it reduce regional flexibility, which is very important? The Minister of State mentioned the bidding system he wants to introduce. With bidding there will be winners and losers so will certain counties have a reduced level of grant delivery as a result of bidding?

Business people are worried about going into a local authority office and being asked about the household charge, planning levies and service charges. There is a relationship between people and the county enterprise boards that transcends such matters and focuses purely on business while the other elements are left at the door. How will those fears be resolved?

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