Mr. James Claffey:

Extra travel costs, health costs and so on, for example, in bringing their kids to school. In terms of two priorities for the budget, we would like to see the establishment of a committee focused on job creation in rural areas, regional demands and the skills available in each region, with a view to driving local economies. To turn two into one, the coverage of fibre broadband in such areas should be extended.

A second priority is education. The cost of education for third level students from rural areas should be analysed, particularly the issue of affordability for low income families. According to a credit union survey, one in four students has taken out a loan to attend college.