Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. There are a number of aspects to this matter, one of which involves the IDA and the development of one region, as the Minister said. SMEs are also very important and the backbone of the rural economy. The Office of Government Procurement is involved in promoting what is available for SMEs in terms of public procurement not only here, but across the EU. There is approximately €2.4 trillion worth of EU tendering available. Does the Minister's Department liaise with the Office of Government Procurement on that? Will the planned socio-economic committees under local authorities be involved with the Leader elements of the rural development programme to progress regional development?

In the context of working with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, I note that broadband was an issue that came up continually during the recent canvassing and it was raised in regard to both businesses and households.

10 o’clock

It was outlined in the recent CEDRA report chaired by Pat Spillane. Will there be liaison with that Department as well?

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