Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

This decision represents a vote of confidence in the BMW region and specifically Roscommon. The jobs in Claremorris and Knock will have a spin-off effect for Ballaghadereen. The one disappointment is Boyle. I have no doubt that the chamber of commerce there is expressing regret that Boyle has not been successful as it was providing a free site for decentralisation. The Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats' policy of decentralisation is being implemented, but we must maintain the fight. Boyle will get spin-off benefits from Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon. All the areas around Boyle have benefited from the development of the credit card company in Carrick-on-Shannon and now it will benefit from the decentralised jobs. The extension of the tax incentive area to the end of 2006 will give an opportunity to finish all the projects that are under way at present. We had not expected this extension, but I know Leitrim County Council and all the Oireachtas Members from the area fought hard for it.

I congratulate the Minister for Finance on introducing this development. It is a great day for politics, for Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats, and will help us as we face into the local elections. In Roscommon we have five good candidates and we intend to get four out of the five seats. Due to the decentralisation of 230 jobs to Roscommon, the people will respond and vote for Fianna Fáil in the local elections. We will also get two MEPs elected to Europe in the Connacht-Ulster constituency.