James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Finance to the House for a debate on the rural renewal scheme that expired in December 2004 and which was successful in six or seven counties in the BMW region? Many smaller villages were unable to avail of it because the proper infrastructure was not in place, including sewerage and water schemes and so on. This was a worthwhile scheme which brought much business, employment and development into the region by way of tourism and infrastructure. A debate on the issue would encourage the Minister for Finance to extend the scheme for a further two years, a move that would be of significant benefit to that region, especially the small villages.

I called for a debate when the mid-term review of the BMW region was published last year because there was evidence of a significant underspending of funds. A debate is required and I was given some encouragement by the Leader in this regard. However, I am still waiting.