Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a commitment in the programme for Government to increase employment levels in the regions and in rural Ireland by more than 100,000 jobs. It took long enough to negotiate the programme. One of the greatest success stories in that regard has been the work of ConnectIreland, which works as part of the Succeed in Ireland programme. However, the draft terms of reference for an independent review of Succeed in Ireland on the departmental website today are deeply unsatisfactory. Why is the IDA and the Department so determined to undermine the huge success of ConnectIreland and its work in bringing jobs to rural Ireland? Is there a vendetta? Is it a battle for control with the IDA? ConnectIreland has had excellent success rates. The IDA should be reined in. The website is disgraceful.

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