Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a further query in relation to rural Ireland and the new Department of Community and Rural Affairs. I ask obvious questions but I want Mr. McGuinness to state it for the record. We know that Brexit is one of the biggest issues to face Ireland in the next decade. For me and for most of the people around here rural Ireland is of the same importance. In Mr. McGuinness's opinion is the portfolio worthy of an entire Department for itself and of not being tagged on to a Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs or anything else? As Mr. McGuinness said earlier, rural Ireland has been tagged on to various Departments over the years. Is it worthy of a Department in its own right?