John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I think we are talking about two different things. The Minister of State spoke about defending the concept of regional aid at European level. The point that Barry O'Leary and I are making is that the existing regional aid guidelines are not working. It is a question of their effectiveness and utility. The guidelines that are being used to incentivise companies to come to Ireland are not working. The Cabinet is having a special meeting this afternoon to deal with jobs. That is why the Minister, Deputy Bruton, is not here. When I looked at the press release, I read the usual lingo about Ministers being asked to report back with regard to the number of jobs that might be created. The Taoiseach and his Ministers need to start thinking about where these jobs are being created or not being created. I say that because a massive imbalance or disparity between the regions has opened up in this country. I have come to the conclusion that nothing much is being done about it. Very little thought is being given to the issue. I believe IDA Ireland has become quite content to announce every year the jobs it has created for Ireland Incorporated and leave it at that. That is not good enough. It needs to be dealt with. That disparity and imbalance is getting wider.

I conclude by putting some obvious questions to the Department. Who are the stakeholders the Minister consults when he makes these submissions to the EU? Can the Minister give the Members of this House details of the involvement or input they will have when the regional aid map, and the financial incentives involved, is redrawn? Will he increase the amount of regional investment aid that is given to those parts of the country that are experiencing massive levels of unemployment? It is clear that the regional aid guidelines are not working. I would like to know why they have not been amended to date.

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