David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is a clear focus on the region. Much of it comes from within the region or is driven by the Minister's Department. I acknowledge the key role played by the Minister, but there is a sense that the enterprise agencies could do more. For example, the availability of property solutions has been cited as an impediment. If so, we should consider how to develop property solutions across the region.

Today, I received figures to the effect that only one application was made from Waterford to the micro-enterprise fund. The company did not receive anything. The fund of ¤40 million provides start-up capital and supports for the micro-business sector. I cannot understand why only one application was made in Waterford, which has a high level of unemployment. Will the Minister investigate this matter? Are companies not coming forward, are they not being encouraged or, as mentioned at some enterprise boards meetings, are there problems with the scheme, for example, interest rates or bureaucratic difficulties? Whatever the problems may be, we need to flag and fix them. If money has been made available, the Minister will agree that it should be provided to those who need it in order that jobs can be created.