Mr. William Parnell:

The Deputy's comments are very helpful. The Department and Minister fully subscribe to the view that rural Ireland is positive and dynamic. The Minister has spoken about the contribution rural economies and communities make to our national well-being and development. Indeed, she has spoken about the need to change the narrative on rural Ireland and also about the interdependency of rural and urban areas. I assure the Deputy, in respect of his points on rural Ireland, that it is not just about towns and villages. We are very much aware of that. The rural regeneration and development fund, of which the Deputy will be aware, amounts to €1 billion, is not just for towns and villages; it is also for the areas outside them. There is no doubting, however, that towns and villages do act as hubs for economic activity and social engagement. That is why there is a focus on trying to support towns and their rejuvenation as places for people to shop, visit, socialise and live.

On isolation, the Deputy is quite correct that it is not just a rural issue. It is a societal issue regardless of whether those affected are living in a rural area or an urban one. Many of the supports I referred to in my opening statement are available to all communities, regardless of whether they are in rural areas or cities.