Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There has been too much focus on attracting FDI rather than trying to support our indigenous sector. I propose three initiatives. First, will he focus on towns, as Deputy Stanton has suggested, and get the agencies to assist them to examine their assets and build an enterprise strategy based on that? it has been done successfully by Louth County council and that could be replicated throughout the country.

Second, will the Minister ensure the same incentives available to attract FDI are made available for our own people who want to create a job or develop a business?

Third, many businesses face problems with energy costs. A successful carbon loan scheme operates in Northern Ireland and Wales under which a company receives a loan of £1,000 for every 1.5 tonnes of carbon saved. Could the Minister examine these three initiatives to support local employment, towns and businesses?

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