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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Midlands job losses and funding

Summary

Deputy Cowen raised Bord na Móna job losses and the Government's promised EU globalisation fund application, while others objected to Ministers being absent. The Minister said a regional enterprise plan was being launched and undertook to come back on the specific funding commitment.

The Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, referred to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. It is not three weddings and a funeral. It is three Ministers and a planner in my constituency today launching the enterprise plan for the midlands region across Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Birr. A commitment was given during the Topical Issue debate on 25 October 2018 by the Minister, Deputy Bruton, when he confirmed the Government would make an application to the EU globalisation fund on foot of Bord na Móna's decision to accelerate decarbonisation, which will result in up to 430 job losses. That plan would be great if it had adequate funding to deliver upon what is contained within it. Our region and our county deserve funding over and above existing programmes to deal with the issue of decarbonisation and to deal with the region maintaining its place as an initiator and instigator of the provision of energy in the midlands and in the State. It is rich for the Ministers to be there launching that plan when they could not honour the commitment they gave me in good faith. It will take more than a visit from the "Six One" news to Tullamore on one night of the year to make progress on this matter.

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I thank the Deputy for the question, and I am glad he acknowledges that the Minister is there and launching this very important plan that will help to increase-----

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They should be here in the Dáil.

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They will be back when the voting is on tomorrow.

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Please allow the Minister to respond.

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It is a disgrace.

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-----jobs in the Deputy's area, which is very important. On the actual commitment that was given I will have to come back to the Deputy after discussing it with the Minister.

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