Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that detailed response to the Commencement matter. The Minister of State touched on the application being made to the European Commission to review the scheme under the state aid rules. Clearly, that has delayed the establishment of the schemes. I received correspondence from the chief executive of Newsbrand Ireland, Ann Marie Lenihan, flagging this issue and other issues.

I would like the Minister of State to convey my thanks to the Minister, Deputy Martin, in respect of these matters. I ask him to keep us informed. I would like to be kept informed - he might note this - particularly on progress to see this through. It is really important. I welcome the initiative that the courts and local authorities would at least start to see some of this funding put in place because that is a start. We have to keep cutting into this and making progress. The Minister of State might keep the Houses informed. Certainly, I would like to be kept informed, and I formally make that request, on progress in establishing the schemes and the issues around any European Commission state aid difficulties there may be.