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

Job creation is growing in some regions and falling in others. The figures I outlined are for a four year period. The Nevin institute chose one year and chose to ignore the fact that growth was falling in some regions. One could have presented the same figures by saying 75% of job growth in 2014 was in the south east, midlands and mid east. That would have given a different picture. We need to look at each region. The growth rate fell in a number of regions last year and that had an impact on the average rate. We have to look at each region and seek to build its strengths. That is what we are doing and I hope the Deputy will be in Sligo later. He can engage and come up with ideas that he believes will drive change in his region. We want to tap into the people who can make things happen in the region and to provide money for which companies can bid to ensure the best ideas come to fruition. That is the best way to drive opportunities. It is not about quibbling about numbers. There is good performance and not so good performance but we need to increase the growth rate in all regions.

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