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

I welcome the Deputy's interest in this plan as I know it is an area in which we have worked together. I am grateful that the south east has one of the fastest growing employment rates in any region, although I fully realise it is coming from a position where it had many structural problems. There has been real success in the south east and the approach we have taken of creating a regional action plan, with much involvement from local people, including agencies, businesses and communities, is the right one. There are regional competitive funds and I am sure the south east is very competitive in seeking them. I am sure it would be open to the Whips to provide an opportunity to discuss the progress being made. It is an important issue and I know it will be built on in this Oireachtas. There is a renewed focus within the programme for Government on regional development. I thank the Deputy for his interest, as he has shown much interest in the past.

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