Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate in the near future on funding for the improvement of infrastructure in the BMW region. Over the past few days we have seen a clear equity imbalance between the 68% that is spent in the east and south east of the country, as against the remainder, which is accounted for by the BMW region. At a time when agriculture is in serious decline and the flight from the land is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, the Government must decide to create a balanced playing field as regards improvements in infrastructure and employment opportunities. There have been dramatic job losses in the western region, from north to south, over the recess period. I ask for an early and urgent debate as regards the BMW region.