Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There are challenges arising from the CEDRA report. In dealing with rural areas and issues, it is not a case of one size fits all, so different communities have nuanced requirements. Even if I decide on a certain priority, it may not necessarily be what communities want. There is an interdepartmental group and all Departments are extremely committed to implementing the CEDRA report recommendations. I see my work as being at the local level, depending on the work of a local authority. I am dealing with communities and I need flexibility to manoeuvre at the community level.

I met the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, last week to discuss the Action Plan for Jobs, how that will facilitate rural and regional areas and how we fit into that process. Each Department has its own responsibility, and there is a timeline, which will be set out in 2015. Each Department will have its own actions, which will pursued vigorously by my Department. I am working extremely closely with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy White, and we meet on a regular basis for updates on broadband provision, which is one of the most important issues in rural Ireland. Without fail, in every rural community I visit, that is one of the most common issues raised with me. I am working very closely with that Minister's officials to facilitate the roll-out of broadband.

My role arising from CEDRA recommendations is to be a voice or advocate for rural Ireland. I have noticed that when we have debates in the Dáil, there are many issues raised that relate to rural Ireland. I do not know if the Chairman has noticed that. Since I became the Minister of State with responsibility for rural affairs, the issue has very much come on the agenda in the Houses, and it is also on everybody else's agenda. My essential role is to advocate for rural Ireland, ensuring all the Departments account for rural Ireland in formulating their policies. We are achieving that goal.

There are challenges, and in the time left to this Government, one of the priorities I have chosen is to roll out the rural economic development zones. We will begin the pilot process soon and we are signing off criteria. I am working with my officials on the roll-out of that process, which is one of the more important actions we can do under the recommendations. There are many other recommendations, and all 34 of them are very important in some way. Some may depend on a particular Department, but it is my job to co-ordinate the recommendations and work with other Ministers to deliver those supports to rural Ireland.