Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will give each of the elected representatives five minutes to ask a question and then we will give the witnesses ten minutes to respond to the questions which are relevant to them. We value the information the witnesses have given us. One of the key elements for good and bad is broadband. If we do not have broadband in rural societies, they will be disadvantaged economically compared to the rest of the country. However, another issue is relevant given the evidence we have heard. This generation is a pioneer one with regard to digital technology. We hear every day about the necessity for broadband connectivity but one of the key elements is the fall-off in human connectivity that is happening right across society at the moment. I accept that we need more broadband connectivity but we need to educate ourselves to use it in such a way that we also allow time for human connection as well, because if we do not do that we will run into massive societal problems and mental health problems. It is clear that the networks the witnesses have created are at the front line in the battle to maintain human connectedness, which is really important for the future.

Some of the figures the witnesses have given us are phenomenal in terms of membership levels and activity levels. The growth in men's sheds in recent years is amazing. One of the key issues is that it is very difficult to measure the benefits such community organisations bring to society. They are clear as day to us but when one engages with the State it is difficult to apportion resources if one does not have a way of measuring the benefits. What mechanisms do the witnesses use to measure the networks and benefits they provide? What funding do they receive for their activities? What influence do they have in the State at national and local authority level in terms of the development of policy? If the State or local authorities are involved in the development of policy, it would be very useful for community organisations to influence future developments. I would like to hear a little about that.

Given that emigration is such a big issue, does Macra na Feirme have an international branch? Is it the case that when people leave these shores they finish with their Macra na Feirme membership or is there an international body which then feeds into how people are getting on abroad? Often, when people leave these shores they are completely forgotten about or they are no longer part of the narrative of the State until they return. What stories do Macra members hear from people who have gone abroad? I will invite Deputy Michael Collins to speak and then Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell.