Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to speak on this important Bill. I compliment Deputy Martin Kenny on the work and research he has done in order to put down the legislation. I welcome the Minister to the House.

Deputy Michael Collins will be aware that in the long negotiations concluded this time 12 months ago, the Rural Independent Group insisted on a Minister for rural affairs. I do not want in any way to condescend to or disparage the Minister. She certainly understands rural Ireland but her portfolio was linked with arts, heritage, regional and Gaeltacht affairs. Rural affairs deserve a full Department of their own and would have it if we were serious about this. We thought the Taoiseach and Fine Gael were serious about it in the negotiations but it is obvious they were not. They merely stuck it on like a hind tit. I apologise for the expression but that is what it is. It is the poor relation.

See this speech in context