Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish the Tánaiste the best of luck in his new office. He has a tough job ahead with regard to the jobs issue, but by working together we can get through this. Last week, I spoke to the previous Minister, Deputy Humphreys, on the telephone about Aptar and, in fairness, she referred back to me about it. Can the Tánaiste confirm that the IDA is liaising with Aptar? Aptar highlighted that research and development is a problem in Ireland. It also spoke about insurance costs, electricity costs, rates and other matters. Some of those things can be fixed. Will the Tánaiste give an undertaking that the IDA will try to resolve these issues? The 120 jobs in Ballinasloe are equivalent to 12,000 jobs in Dublin.

There has been a huge uptake of the voucher scheme in the LEOs. In Roscommon and Galway last week, all the money was allocated, including the extra money that was provided. Can the Tánaiste confirm that more money will be provided to help those businesses?

In addition, a problem has arisen with the livestock marts. The marts had to adapt to many new ways of doing things. It depended on turnover. If the mart was over €2 million, to take the figure from the top of my head, it did not qualify. Most marts in the country make between €80,000 and €160,000 in profit in a year. That is when it is going well, to be frank, taking account of insurance and so forth. They were left out of the scheme. Can the Tánaiste confirm that somebody will examine that and try to help them?

My final question is on planning. We need jump leads to kick-start businesses again. When considering this, will the Government look at the Danish model? Many young people who are considering new ways of doing things might have a shed beside their house in a rural area. At present, they are being blocked from doing things in them. Can we look at the planning side to give incentives? I do not want to take up all my time so perhaps the Tánaiste can reply to those questions.

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