Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

In the coming weeks we will have debate throughout the country on the new qualifying conditions for industrial grants. I understand the country will be divided in half for this. It appears that counties Carlow and Kilkenny will lose out on these grants because they will be grouped with the richer part of the country — counties Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare — to bring that group's population to half the population of the country. We will lose out even though we deserve the enhanced grants. We may end up getting just 20% of a grant or no grant at all. It is urgent the House debates this issue and that the relevant Minister comes here to debate the selection criteria for the different counties that will be given the necessary zoning to get enhanced grants for industrial activity.

I agree with Senator Cox on the issue of local health forums. I am aware Senator Leyden wrote to Fine Gael councillors recently telling them these would be set up soon, but this appears not to be the case. We also need to invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to the House to ask where the local police force has gone. It is vital that both local health forums and local police boards are set up without further delay.