Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader arrange for an urgent debate with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, following the announcement today of the pending abolition of the Western Development Commission? There was a severe cut in funding for the Western Development Commission in the Estimates from €6.35 million to €2 million. From an appraisal of its history in Government, we are aware that Fianna Fáil was never a staunch supporter of the idea of the Western Development Commission. It is outrageous to suggest that the reason for the proposed abolition of the commission is due to duplication in areas involving the community enterprise boards, the Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and so on. The west and areas served by the Western Development Commission do not need a further body blow.