Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has hosted the first in a series of three business seminars entitled “The Economic Recovery and You” in Newcastle West. The seminars have been organised by Patrick O’Donovan who is chairman of the Fine Gael Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform, to form part of his pre-budget submission to the Minister’s for Finance and Public Expenditure.
The first seminar took place in the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West. The meeting was chaired by Michael Finucane, Chairperson of Newcastle West Community Council and keynote speakers on the night were Brian McEnery of BDO, Bernie Moloney of the Limerick Local Enterprise Office and Elaina Fitzgerald Kane of the Woodlands House Hotel. Minister of State at the Departments of Enterprise and Education, Damien English TD represented the Government on the night and answered questions from those in attendance. Minister English detailed the progress which has been made to date in rebuilding the economy and the country since 2011. He said that more needed to be done, and he gave specific details of the work that he is involved in, particularly in the area of youth unemployment, traineeships and apprenticeships. He also outlined supports that are in place for the self-employed.
Speaking after the meeting Patrick O’Donovan said he welcomed the engagement with local business people and said that the exercise would form a very important part of his submission to Government. “It was a very lively and open meeting with many issues raised, all of which I noted and will include in my report.”
Patrick O’Donovan said he is hosting two further seminars in Adare and Kilmallock which will be open to local businesses to attend. Details of speakers for these two seminars will be announced later and he added that anyone who wishes to make a submission can do so by attending or by contacting him directly in his constituency offices in Newcastle West and Kilmallock or on line.
“This is an important listening exercise which I have organised to give business people here in Limerick a chance to feedback directly to Government. When all three seminars are complete I will publish the findings on line. I welcome any suggestion that people want to make and can assure them that as part of this consultation process that they will be included in the final report to Government.”