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

I agree. Before the Minister established his Department, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport that gave funding for local improvement schemes, which was proper order. Since the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is not contributing to it now, I hear the point the Minister is making that local authorities should contribute, but Cavan County Council, for example, is down 50% on its annual revenue funding for roads. It is my understanding that local authorities have nothing to give in that regard. I take the Minister's point about the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport because it is about roads. He is correct that this is an area to which the Department should contribute.

The Minister will be aware from the list of applications I have outlined that the vast majority of applicants are schools. They cannot get funds anywhere else. I believe that the Department of Education and Skills should also intervene and support what the Minister is doing.

With regard to LEADER, and Breffni Integrated funding, there was some criticism in respect of getting funds out. I attended Aughaloora Bruskey community centre recently. They had a greenfield site and now, in the heart of the country, they have a fabulous brand new community centre with hundreds of people attending, be it for bingo on a Sunday night or for community events. They held their opening recently. This is down to Breffni Integrated and LEADER funding from the Minister's Department. What people are achieving by pulling communities together in the middle of nowhere is phenomenal.

The Shercock community first responders received money and CLÁR funding from the Minister's Department and I supported them and the Minister in that. They are saving lives. I believe they received some €14,000 or €15,000, which has made such a difference. They now have 14 volunteers on call 24-7 to respond to people who are in almost fatal situations. The group is saving lives and the funding has made a huge difference. I pass on my compliments regarding that programme. It is to be continued as it is very important.