Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2005
278 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to the regional task force for the north west and its plan; and if he will make a statement on the availability of funding for this region. [38177/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently established interdepartmental group on County Donegal, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has met on two occasions to date and further meetings are planned. The group's terms of reference are to identify the various local issues representing barriers to the establishment and operation of enterprises, to take stock of relevant projects and actions which are under way or planned, to identify measures which could be taken by the relevant Departments and agencies to support the environment for enterprise development and to quantify the resources which are needed. I have asked the group to report to me as a matter of urgency. When I have had an opportunity to consider its findings, I intend to bring them to the Government. The Donegal County Enterprise Board was allocated a budget of €1.097 million in 2005, but no specific allocations are made within IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland or FÁS for particular regions. The Deputy will be aware that I have asked the agencies to make particular efforts to support job creation in County Donegal.
