The programme for Government contains a commitment to develop a new Atlantic economic corridor with the aim of providing more balanced regional development in the west. On that basis, will the Taoiseach please advise the House on progress in developing this corridor? Can he also advise how this plan aims to bring infrastructure, multinational investment, jobs and wealth to local communities in areas like the constituency I represent in Sligo-Leitrim, as well as south Donegal and west Cavan?

This is a valid point. First, the Government is currently putting in place an analysis of the capital review programme. Second, the Government will follow that with the efforts we are making to provide alternative funding for many major pieces of infrastructure, for instance, in dealing with the European Investment Bank. Third, the Government has put together a programme for achieving the potential of rural Ireland, which draws together various programmes, including the Common Agricultural Policy.

Fourth, the Government is now in a consultation process looking at Ireland 20 years hence. There will be 1 million extra people and we will have a requirement for 500,000 houses and half a million extra jobs. Schools, hospitals and other infrastructure will also have to be provided.

The first meeting of the Atlantic economic corridor task force takes place on Monday, 6 March. There is an opportunity to tie all of these elements together so that regions and areas can draw from existing opportunities for their own development.