James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I welcome the announcement, referred to by the Leader, by Cooper Cameron Corporation of 57 new jobs, which will see Longford placed as the company's global centre of excellence. Other good news is Wessel Cable's extension in Longford, which will create a further 40 new jobs, and Abbott's recent €700 million investment in the town, which will generate in the region of 800 new jobs. These are positive developments, regarding which I have worked hard since entering the House.

Although the Government decided to cut its losses and break loose from the huge commitment of full decentralisation, questions on funding still have to be answered. Far from being realistic, the former Minister's assertion that the project would be self-financing is another failed promise. The entire initiative will not even break even until 2026, according to the report.