Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, will keep my remarks brief. As I entered this office after 8 p.m. last night, I am fresh to it. I thank the Chairman for his opening remarks. I also thank the members who were my colleagues until yesterday. We are now even better colleagues, as we will all be working together. Committee members have a common goal - to improve communities and rural Ireland as best we can. We are a great team together and will be able to do so.

I acknowledge the work done by the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Kyne, who has moved on to higher office. I compliment him on the way he conducted his business since taking over the job two and a half years ago.

I look forward to working with everyone present, in particular, the Minister and the departmental officials. I had a briefing session yesterday. There are many challenges facing rural Ireland, but we all have the common goal of improving the quality of life in rural Ireland to the level found in the cities in order that people can live, work and rear their families there.