Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the BMW region. A recent report of the Western Development Commission indicates a widening gap between development in the west and other areas of the country. For several years, the west has had Objective One status yet expenditure on infrastructure shows the widest gap between east and west. The gap is now increasing in employment and other services and, if it continues, there will be a serious decline in employment opportunities in the west. I hope the relevant Minister will attend the House. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs can spend €19 million on administration in his Department. Is it any wonder there is inequity in expenditure on infrastructure and development projects?