Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I appreciate the Minister's reply but this must be put in context. Yesterday, the Taoiseach launched a programme in Dublin Castle. If we are serious about developing the regions, Ireland does not stop at the end of the M50 or the Red Cow roundabout. I do not subscribe to that view, and the Minister, being from Kerry, will not either. We have dealt with the Seveso sites and given certain tax incentives but we have not expanded the most important one to give confidence to the developers to come in there. Unlike other parts of the country, Cork has experienced massive unemployment in the past six months. At a time of recession this scheme would have created jobs and confidence and would have given impetus to Cork city.

The plan unveiled yesterday was the vehicle to promote Cork and its docklands as the project for Cork. Why is the Minister, Deputy John Gormley, not publishing the report six months after he received it? I do not understand it. I accept that the gateway innovation fund is frozen and that the Government does not have the money, but it should spend money on this. It will get a return on the investment. Why is the Government's commitment waning? Have the Cork Ministers in Cabinet lost their influence and power? Do the people of Cork not matter? The project has been put forward but Cork people are now being given empty rhetoric. The Government has provided section 41 of the Finance Bill and certain tax incentives but what is it saying to the landowners, developers and Cork City Council? The council established a separate directorate, unique to Cork city and many councils, on this project. It beggars belief.