I move amendment No. 2:

In page 5, between lines 35 and 36, to insert the following:

“(c) preference may be given to industrial undertakings or body corporates that are located in the border counties of Louth, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo.”.

With reference to the amendments tabled by Deputy Munster which have been passed by the House - I am not opposing them - I am advised that further legal consideration is necessary of the operational implications for Enterprise Ireland and that other potential unforeseen consequences of their inclusion will be fully considered prior to the Bill, with the amendments, passing to Seanad Eireann for consideration. For these reasons and because the proposed new powers granted to Enterprise Ireland are not related to competitive funding, as such, preferential treatment will not be deemed to be necessary. There will be consistent criteria applied equally by Enterprise Ireland to the provision of these supports for the firm's business plan, the value added and employment provided, the firm's need for funding and commercial viability.

This is a Seanad Bill. As at least one amendment has been accepted, the Bill which is considered to be a Bill initiated in Dáil Éireann under Article 20.2.2° of the Constitution will be sent to the Seanad.