asked the Minister for the Public Service if, in view of the fact that the IDA are switching their resources to the Dublin area, he will have the proposed Western Development Board established as a matter of urgency to ensure that the west gets its share of the resources.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Development Board.
23.
The question of the allocation of resources by the IDA is a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce. I understand, however, that what the Deputy refers to does not involve a switch of resources as between one region of the country and another. As regards the organisational arrangements for the Western Development Board, proposals are being developed with all possible urgency by my Department in consultation with the other Departments concerned. Because of the complexity of the issues involved, the process has taken longer than originally anticipated but I hope to be in a position to have discussions with the interested parties on the establishment of the board initiated at an early date.
Would the Minister not agree that the people in the west are justifiably anxious in view of the statement of the Minister for Labour with regard to making available to Dublin resources from the IDA?
There should not be any such anxiety. The fact that there is a high level of unemployment in the Dublin region at the present time necessitates more activity by the IDA than would be warranted if such a high level of unemployment did not exist. However, it does not involve the switching of resources from other areas which are receiving as sympathetic attention as they ever did and which they will continue to receive.
I take it from the Minister's reply that he is making available extra resources for the Dublin area?
Any resources being made available in the Dublin area to meet the problems of that region will not erode the availability of money for the western region. I can assure the Deputy of that.
Has the area to be covered by the Western Development Board been defined finally yet?
The area was set out in the original statement.
Would the Minister not agree that the fact that a larger amount of money was made available to the Dublin area will act as a disincentive to people to go west?
No, I am very happy to say that the west has many attractions that Dublin has not.
I would be inclined to agree with the Minister.