Professor P.J. Drudy:

At least I have been invited. I can imagine that vested interests are on the Deputies' case all the time. It must be very difficult for them. It would take great courage for political philosophy to change in this regard.

I fully agree with what Deputy Wallace said about selling local authority housing. In England, local authority houses that were sold have fallen into the hands of private landlords. It is really appalling. It is unthinkable. The British example is certainly not one to follow. When they were flogging off the social houses, at least they gave a good deal of housing to housing associations, but it is a very unsatisfactory situation. The private rental sector there is probably worse than it is here.

I also fully agree with what Deputy Harty said about lopsided development. Over many years, this country has failed miserably to have a serious urban and regional policy that spreads activity throughout the country in a reasonable way. I am sure the members of the committee are too young to remember the famous Buchanan report of 1969, which suggested nine growth centres. At the time, many Dáil Deputies said, "Oh my God, we cannot have just nine". They wanted growth centres in places like Westport, Ballygobackwards and the tiny village of Frenchpark, where I come from. That initiative died because everyone wanted a growth centre in his or her own place. Then we had the national spatial strategy, which suggested much the same thing.

We have not really implemented these plans. We need to have a policy that spreads economic activity throughout the country and persuades firms to locate in certain areas. Urban centres have to be built up outside Dublin. Rural development is critical. Agriculture is a fundamental operation in this country and cannot be ignored. Rural villages need attention because they are dying on their feet. I have written a paper on the matter, for what it is worth, and I can furnish it to the committee if it wishes. I agree with Deputy Harty about the unfair argument that is often made. I do not accept that rural areas are not viable. I think rural areas could be very viable.