Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will let Minister of State, Deputy Canney, respond to that. Some positive things are happening.

My Department is supporting broadband officers and area of natural constraint officers. Senator Conway-Walsh will understand that the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has a vast budget. I do not want those responsible to be using this Department but I am and we are trying to do something for rural Ireland. Where we see there is a need, we certainly will not be found wanting.

The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, has a hat in both Departments. I will let him tell committee members what is happening. I want to be careful of my Department. Other proposals come into me on a daily basis from other Departments. Of course, they come in with proposals but no money. We cannot be the Department that is picking up the tab for every other Department. We see proposals coming into the Department on a regular basis. They do not come in with money.

I took on the local improvement scheme. I could be using that €10 million for the town and village renewal scheme or CLÁR or for the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme. Yet, I believe there is a demand for the LIS and that is why I am doing it.