I wish to refer to the context of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly area, which the European Union has recognised and categorised as a region in transition, as an industrial region that is lagging behind and as a moderate innovator. There must be a seismic shift in focus to ensure this region develops to its full potential. In light of the fact the Government is now carrying out a review of the national development plan, under the title Review to Renew, in what way will the Government positively discriminate in the context of providing funding for the area? Take the example of Intel, which is looking at the possibility of locating a significant facility in Oranmore. How do we get the infrastructure in the eight-county region to support such a major investment?

One of the advantages of the regions designation is that we can positively discriminate in a region's favour. Thus, when it comes to employment grants from my Department for new industry, we can offer grants in the west and north west that cannot be offered in Dublin and Cork. We are absolutely prepared to do that in order to secure jobs and investment for the region. Then there is what we might call the broader, more traditional part of the national development plan, that is, investing in roads, railways and broadband. The new plan will see an increase in capital investment in the coming years. We are going to ensure that the regions which need it most get that investment.