Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Ba mhaith liom iarraidh ar an gCeannaire go mbreathnódh an Teach ar an gceist maidir le forbairt réigiúnach, agus go ndéanfaí é sin i bhfoirm sraith díospóireachtaí. I call for a series of debates, possibly in the new year. It will be important to consider the concept of regional development as, apparently, there does not appear to be a specific Minister entrusted with responsibility for regional development. My experience in the west and the north west suggests these regions have different needs and wants from some of the others. However, I will not be parochial in this regard as it is important to consider equally all regions on the island in detail. Consideration should be given to different issues regarding infrastructure, job creation, economic and education issues specific to these regions. A one-cap-fits-all approach should be avoided. The Seanad could play an important role in such a debate in teasing out some of the issues involved. The previous Government had a decentralisation policy, but it has been turned on its head. As I cannot discern a coherent policy on regional development, such a debate would be important and as part of it, I suggest Members could consider the relationship between the Twenty-six Counties and the Six Counties. The latter could be considered as a region and Members could examine ways to ensure better co-operation for the benefit of communities on both sides of the Border.