Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Taoiseach well in his new role. I recognise his genuine collaboration and work on the incorporation of St. Angela's into the Atlantic Technological University. I appreciate all of that. However, this morning I laid bare the failure of this Government and those which preceded it to deliver for the north west. Unfortunately, that was only the start of it. My time is short, and I can only cover a few areas.

In its country report on Ireland for 2023, the European Commission stated that internal regional disparities remain high. An example it quoted was that the disposable income per head of population in the northern and western region was just 76% of the EU average. In 2010, it was 92% of the EU average. We are going backwards compared to European regions and other regions in Ireland. The EU's regional competitive index for 2022 found the northern and western region was the only region in Ireland below the EU 27 average in terms of competitiveness. I quote these figures to make it crystal clear to the Taoiseach that this is not just my opinion or a political charge. These are the facts and they are the outcome of Government action or, mostly, inaction.

Small businesses urgently need the Taoiseach's support. Businesses in the Border region face exceptional difficulties. I ask the Taoiseach to do what he can to support them. I also want him to listen to and work with our farmers. They are the backbone of the rural economy. I failed, despite many efforts and quoting statistics blindly, to convince the two previous taoisigh of the urgent need for policy change when it comes to systemically delivering on balanced regional development. I now ask the current Taoiseach to listen and to act.

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