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

Deputy Ó Cuív made a point about confidentiality agreements and I understand where he is coming from. I inherited this position and I take his point on board.

The Deputy is right about changing the narrative on rural areas. I am in the same position as the Deputy because I live in the middle of the country. When I speak to people in rural areas, I note there is no better sense of community and commitment than there is among them. The Deputy and I know that when something is wrong in a household, the whole community comes together to assist. When someone wants to solve a problem or when the football club wants to raise a few bob, all members of the community come together. There is sometimes far greater strength of community in the rural areas than in the towns. There is a greater community, a real community, in rural areas because we look after one another. I accept the point that we need to change the narrative. The Deputy is correct that the word "hinterland" is not the correct word. We will do what is proposed.