Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Leas-Chathaoirleach well in his new position. I also congratulate our Minister, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, on her new appointment and wish her every success in her new role. This is my first contribution in the Seanad and I believe it appropriate that I would do so on the important issue of sustainable full employment. As a young Senator from Roscommon, I believe the single biggest issue facing the west is the need to create greater job opportunities. North Roscommon is one particular region in the west which has suffered hugely from lack of employment opportunities over recent years and outward migration, with many of our young people working in more urban centres.

As Senator John O'Mahony pointed out, the good work of the Western Development Commission in conducting research has found that between 2012 and 2015, the total number of people at work in the west grew by almost 3% whereas the number of people at work in the rest of the country grew by 6%, that is, by double the amount. The said report, which was published two years ago, also emphasised the real challenges we face in our rural areas. Towns such as Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Castlerea, Strokestown and Carrick-on-Shannon have great communities. We have huge potential, but we need support and help to breathe life back into our towns and make them attractive again for young people to return to work and set up business.

As stated by the Minister, the programme for a partnership Government has set ambitious targets. It is important that we set ambitious targets. The last Government showed huge progress in ensuring that our unemployment rate is now under 8%. The new commitment surrounds ensuring that we have an extra 200,000 people back at work by 2020, with 135,000 of these people working outside Dublin. It is absolutely critical that we deliver on this target.

Last Monday was a really good day in Ballinasloe, with the creation of 100 new jobs in a medical devices company along with an investment of almost €10 million in research and development. I thank the Minister for attending. The employment of 100 additional people in Ballinasloe will have a hugely positive impact on the town and surrounding area. It will create an environment where highly skilled individuals are attracted back to our region to live, work and raise their families. The Government must continue to create an environment where we see more action like this. Many of our rural areas offer excellent educational, sporting and community facilities as well as a great quality of life.Recently, Roscommon County Council introduced a rates incentive scheme for new businesses opening in derelict or vacant premises, which is progressive. However, it needs to be more ambitious in the short term for it to be successful. We cannot do this alone and central government across relevant Departments must take a more active role in assisting with funding of important initiatives like this. Broadband, mentioned several times in the context of this debate, is the single most important priority in infrastructure on which we must deliver. There should be urgent action on broadband delivery in rural areas. We are currently at a competitive disadvantage. Action must be taken because matters are not moving quickly enough.

I ask that every effort be made to assist those areas with the greatest need. It is absolutely critical that every employment agency should invest its energy and prioritise support and funding to areas that are in dire need in order to attract people back. From actively seeking the generation of ideas to assistance with funding applications to those funding applications being approved to allow for the creation of sustainable jobs, these employment agencies must act. The good work of the Western Development Commission has already been mentioned. That work has the potential to be expanded. Enterprise Ireland, local enterprise offices and others must be proactive in assisting the process. The regional action plan for jobs seeks in some way to achieve this but we need to have more localised targets - even down to specific towns - in order to ensure progress is measured and delivered. The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, CEDRA, report emphasised the need for the development of rural economic development, RED, zones in towns and their hinterlands.

I very much welcome the Minister's focus on the need to place greater emphasis on supporting rural areas and tackling youth and long-term unemployment. Real action is needed, however, if our young people are to return to the west, where there is much potential for many individuals to enjoy a great place to live, work and raise a family.