Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I wonder how far I will get. I thank everybody for their patience because this is a most important debate. I thank everyone for their forbearance and for waiting to hear my concluding remarks. I have lots of say but I cannot say it all in a minute and a half, so I will conclude on a more human level in reassuring the House about any of the ideas that have been suggested. My officials are here and are cognisant of them. They have taken note of them. I assure the Senators that with the amendments we are addressing the issue of funding enterprise spaces and sites for our local authorities. I will be consistent in that message and in trying to support the business around the digital piece, AI and the servicing of our enterprise spaces, which we need so badly in rural counties. Senator Scahill spoke about County Roscommon. Like me, he is from a rural constituency, and I have no doubt he deals with those small and medium businesses that are developing from homes and in small spaces and want the opportunity to scale up to have the services and facilities put in place where they can bring prospective buyers and customers. That is our role as a Department, which feeds down into our local enterprise offices, LEOs, and into our local authorities. I will do everything possible and am happy to meet Senators at any time they want further information around some of State agencies, in particular CeADAR. It is a fascinating organisation and State body. It is the European digital hub and it is there to assist businesses. I spoke earlier about what Kerry County Council is doing with Fáilte Ireland. On those collaborations we can create, I am more than happy to work with Senators.

I thank them all for their patience, suggestions and ideas. They are much appreciated.