Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. As he mentioned, up to the end of 2017 the western investment fund had invested approximately €48.5 million in 135 enterprises. I would like to focus on the demand for enterprises as we go forward. The Minister of State rightly mentioned small and medium-sized enterprises and community-based measures to encourage additional enterprise development. What are the plans? Is staffing going to be an issue? The amount of money available for reinvestment in small and medium-sized enterprises in the western development area, which I am talking about, is vital.

Perhaps the Minister of State might elaborate on that.

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