Fine Gael calls on Minister to bring investment to regions

The Fine Gael spokesperson on trade Phil Hogan has said the new Minister for Enterprise and Employment Micheál Martin needs to do more to bring investment to the regions.

He said recent job losses in counties like Donegal have devastated small communities in rural Ireland.

Mr Hogan said Micheál Martin must develop a focused enterprise strategy that will give more employment opportunity to the regions.

He also called on the new Minister to develop a proper consumer policy.

He said with surveys showing that Ireland is now among the top three most expensive countries in Europe, the rip-off culture is gradually damaging the economy.

A proper initiative is required in consumer law to prevent tourists from going elsewhere, he said.

He challenged Minister Martin to reduce costs and take cognisance of last week’s report by the National Competitiveness Council.