John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted this question was raised because it will come up in the European Parliament elections. People perceive regional aid as a pot of money from the EU. The Deputy has stated very clearly that certain areas of the country that were previously excluded are now included. The Minister, Deputy Bruton, is to be commended on his negotiations. If we had conceded, there was a significant possibility that no large enterprise would have been included in the regional aid map, which is not now the case. We have only dropped the marginal 5%. The BMW region benefited considerably through the companies brought into the region. There is still a substantial benefit - up to 30%, 20% and 10% for large companies. The fact that the area has been extended to include Kerry will enhance the opportunities. Deputy Calleary asked how we can attract foreign direct investment. We have a bigger map with bigger potential for aid to go into those regions. It is a huge benefit with regard to the employment grants for the employment of staff. It is a considerable advantage for the Minister, Deputy Bruton, in attracting foreign direct investment, given that more than half the country is included.

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