Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. His initiative is welcome and it is positive. However, the reality is that for many of the smaller provincial towns, it will be local employers and local jobs that will turn around the economy. One of the key aspects of that is to support the local enterprise offices, LEOs, across the country. For example, the LEO in Country Roscommon will by June 2015 have exhausted the funding that is available to it.

In many of the other smaller counties across the country the same will happen. I want a commitment from the Minister on counties which have received the short end of the stick in regard to foreign direct investment, namely, that if their LEOs are able to draw down funding and spend it in the first six months of the year they will not have to wait until 2016 to access more funding. I want a commitment that the funding will be forthcoming for the viable job prospects available.

I refer to LEOs in Galway and Roscommon. Both offices are currently short-staffed and need existing staff. Will the Minister give a commitment to the House that they will be appointed?

See this speech in context