Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As a new Deputy, I thank the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy English, for spending a bit of time talking to me about a few of my proposals. We need to work together to break down barriers across Ireland.

Next Friday evening, a dark cloud will hang over Carrick-on-Shannon when 160 people lose their jobs. It will not come as a shot out of the blue. There have been warning signs for the past three years. Christmas is approaching for those 160 families.

They will have a sadder house and with young children involved, perhaps fewer presents from Santy. What, if anything, is the IDA doing in towns such as Carrick-on-Shannon, Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe? As everyone is aware of the volume of emigration that has gone on, what is it doing to try to bring new industries to locations across the Shannon and to bring different parts of Ireland to balanced economic stability in order that people can live in all such parts? I ask the Minister to comment.

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