asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the serious disadvantages that the south-west region has as a result of Government policy which gives special status to the mid-west and to the Dublin area, as a result of the activities of the Shannon Free Airport Development Corporation and also because of the proposals for the Custom House Docks site in Dublin; if he proposes to take the necessary steps to ensure that all areas in the State operate on an equal basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Industrial Development Equality.
106.
I do not accept the suggestion by the Deputy that Government policy has in any way placed the south west region at a disadvantage vis-à-vis other areas of the country. It is the aim of Government policy to promote the economic development of all parts of the country equally with each area being developed on the basis of its particular needs and potential.
The decision to extend the remit of SFADCo in the mid-west region reflected the particular need to streamline and rationalise the structure of State organisations involved in the promotion of industry and tourism in that area. Similarly, the promotion of international financial services at the Custom House Docks site is based on the particular potential of the site for promoting such activities.
The proposed establishment of a free port at Ringaskiddy is a further reflection of the Government's belief in the contribution which local areas can make towards national recovery.