Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Healy that this is an important issue regarding the N24 and other infrastructural projects in the regions. I want to make a brief comment on the importance of the regional Action Plan for Jobs and the success of that programme since it was introduced by the former Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, some years ago. Notwithstanding what Deputy Healy has said about unacceptable levels of unemployment in towns across south Tipperary, including Carrick-on-Suir, Cahir and Clonmel, I point out that there has been something of a favourable change in the live register figures for south Tipperary since 2012, where live register figures have dropped by over 50%. It is important that Government policies for the regions continue to focus on regional development through the local enterprise offices, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to ensure that people in the regions and in south Tipperary have an opportunity to live and work in areas they have chosen. I will be very happy to convey the Deputy's comments directly to the Taoiseach as soon as he returns from Brussels.

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