Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully recognise, and this came out in the south-east action forum we established, that there are serious structural problems in Waterford and the south east that go beyond, if one likes, enterprise agency activity. Continuous investment is needed in those areas. There also needs to be collaboration across many interests, which is a positive feature arising from the forum's work. In establishing what are the competitive advantages of the region and promoting them effectively, there are stellar organisations, such as Waterford Institute of Technology, WIT, which is Willie Donnelly's operation. That impressive operation has been a significant magnet for new start-ups.

I recognise that there are deeper and wider problems, and I look forward to meeting the joint committee and going through its report. As Deputy Coffey rightly recognises, from the enterprise perspective, although there is a long way to go, there are positive trends in the south east's employment. Our task is to consolidate and expand that progress.

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