Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his detailed response and for clarifying the position on the alignment working group, the expressions of interest which have been sought by it and funding issues. I stress that the security of jobs in Athenry and throughout the country is of paramount importance to the people and the towns and local communities that benefit from the economic activity generated by them. I also welcome the Minister's statement that alignment will not have an impact on funding, although there may be other issues relating to Exchequer funding, as well as his clarification that the suggestion that the closure of the local development companies will result in significant job losses is not accurate.