Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for taking time to discuss this important issue. I will refer to the banks' response to small business, community employment schemes and enterprise boards. I compliment the IDA and Mr. Barry O'Leary on the announcement on Monday in Athlone of 50 new jobs, with the possibility of 200 jobs. It is warmly welcomed. Athlone is managing to hold its own because it is lucky to have the Defence Forces, Athlone Institute of Technology and the Department of Education and Science. We are lucky to hold onto those good public service jobs.