Is it the intention of the Government to provide an update to the Oireachtas on the status of the regional jobs action strategies that were published to much fanfare? The most recent quarterly household survey indicates unemployment in the south east is still at 12.5%, compared with less than 7% in Dublin, less than 6% in the south west and 5.5% in the east.

That is not true.

Unemployment in the south east is still almost twice the national average, which is not good enough. When is it expected to see an update on these regional strategies? They are meant to deal with these issues but, unfortunately, in the south east they have not been dealt with to the satisfaction of people living in the area.

I welcome the Deputy's interest in this plan as I know it is an area in which we have worked together. I am grateful that the south east has one of the fastest growing employment rates in any region, although I fully realise it is coming from a position where it had many structural problems. There has been real success in the south east and the approach we have taken of creating a regional action plan, with much involvement from local people, including agencies, businesses and communities, is the right one. There are regional competitive funds and I am sure the south east is very competitive in seeking them. I am sure it would be open to the Whips to provide an opportunity to discuss the progress being made. It is an important issue and I know it will be built on in this Oireachtas. There is a renewed focus within the programme for Government on regional development. I thank the Deputy for his interest, as he has shown much interest in the past.