David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not doubt the Minister's support for the south east and know that he is aware of the problems in the region. However, the people who live in the south east and particularly in Waterford, will not be clapping the Government on the back, given the very high levels of unemployment in the county. I spoke about levelling the playing field and making sure that a number of promises contained in the programme for Government are delivered upon. These need to be driven over the Cabinet line by Ministers who live in the constituency, particularly Deputies Hogan and Howlin, who have a responsibility to ensure that we get a university, investment in broadband provision and a regional IDA office with a regional director who is working to a regional strategy. There must also be a level playing field in the context of grant aid. This is what the south-east region needs and such developments will need Cabinet support from Ministers who live in the constituency.