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

The devastation of rural areas in this country was brought on by Fianna Fáil when in government through its creation of a construction boom which could not be sustained. Some 60% of construction employment in rural Ireland was lost in the space of three years. That is what created the huge vacuum in rural Ireland. The Government is now seeking to build sustainable and long-term sectors that are export-oriented into the future. We are building on core strengths in rural areas, such as food and tourism. We are seeing success in those sectors.

I do not denigrate anyone who sets up a business and is deemed self employed, be that in agriculture or in related sectors. It is the 15,000 or so people who start up their own businesses each year who create most of the employment. Two thirds of all net employment is by new start-ups. Through the local enterprise offices, we are providing a suite of measures that allow instant access to all areas of support in respect of new business ideas from the Deputy or any of his colleagues. These businesses are supported by the State through mentoring and, where appropriate, grant aid, access to capital, microfinance and seed and venture capital. There are a suite of supports available.

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