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

My strong view is that SPCs should develop views on economic policy locally and that LEOS should concentrate on providing direct support to companies, creating jobs and working with all the relevant players, including Enterprise Ireland. Ultimately, oversight in respect of LEOS will rest with my Department. In that sense, policy will be laid down and funding will be provided by the Minister, Deputy Bruton. The performance of LEOs will be monitored through Enterprise Ireland. We are giving a very clear commitment in this regard. We know only too well that the domestic economy is the most important priority at present. My Department will monitor the new system that is being put in place in order to ensure that it will be effective in every county.

See this speech in context