Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of community enterprise centres, particularly the largest once in the country which is in Galway. The Galway Technology Centre is currently home to 41 start-ups and growing companies and SMEs. The centre has supported more than 140 companies and 1,200 jobs since it commenced in 1994. This week, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, visited the Galway Technology Centre where they announced €360,000 worth of investment in the facility. This investment comes on the back of hugely impressive growth for the centre, which has had a 33% increase in revenue and the occupancy rate of which has increased by 30% to 90% since 2014. This is most impressive. It is a clear sign of the resurgence in the economy. These centres are supported by the State and they are in need of further funding right throughout the country. I would ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister, Deputy Bruton, in due course to discuss this matter.