Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are revamped Enterprise Ireland assistance schemes for small and medium enterprises and they are doing a fabulous job in helping people take the next step, recruit and export. IDA Ireland will launch its regional strategy for developing opportunities outside the main cities, and I am sure everybody welcomes the very substantial investment to be made by Apple in Athenry. That demonstrates the attractiveness of Ireland having economic and political stability for that kind of investment.

I take the Deputy's point. We need to improve broadband, communications, power and facilities for pristine water but they are all part of the strategy we must develop. Deputy Fleming's point is valid but the Government is working very hard on this with IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and local enterprise officers. With regard to access to credit, the other day I launched with the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, which will make available up to €800 million for new investment at lower interest rates and over a longer term. That is specifically for small businesses and elements are included for young farmers to avail of low-interest loans for purchasing agricultural machinery. The rural development programme will be approved shortly, with €4 billion in funding between now and 2020.

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