Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

We are at one with the Opposition in terms of recognising the importance of decentralisation to the growth of the regions. Senator O'Meara referred to Ryanair's announcement today that it will invest approximately €180 million to €200 million, which is a fantastic recognition of the mid-west and west. I am delighted the Western Development Commission in recent days began encouraging people to move from the overcrowded east coast, an area where the infrastructure is creaking at the seams because of the increases in population. It is correct for the commission to try to encourage people to move west and Government policy is focused on supporting this.

However, this process must be carried out in a phased and controlled manner. From the outset, the former Minister, Deputy McCreevy, stated it could not be done as a big bang. Certain statements have been taken in isolation and presented in this debate in what can only be described as a misleading way and one which tries to suggest that the Government last December set about delivering on a programme of decentralisation over two to three years. Anybody in his or her right mind would know this was not achievable.