Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Rural proofing is a tool to support the policymaking process. There are more examples of rural proofing models failing than of being successful. We want to use the test cases to develop an approach that suits the national conditions. When every Department makes decisions, I want it to think rural. It is as simple as that. It is a question of how to ensure that happens each time.

The Deputy referred to social enterprises. We are developing a social enterprise policy. I am supportive of social enterprises across the country. They are not for profit, as the Deputy knows, and they provide employment in areas where the private sector will not go. They are a wonderful service. There is a local farmers’ co-operative beside my home. It provides all sorts of agricultural products and other materials. It is a hive of activity in the middle of nowhere every day, especially at weekends. The credit union movement is one of the great examples of a social enterprise, where everything is ploughed back into services for its members and others who use them.

We are developing this strategy. I want to ensure it is rural proofed so that rural areas get the opportunity to have important social enterprises. The Deputy mentioned seaweed. It is the perfect example of something that could be developed in her county.

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