Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I refer to transport for senior citizens in the more remote rural areas. Bus Éireann may commence a service on a trial basis on a particular route and discover that it does not work. There is the rural transport initiative. Some issues are becoming much more urgent in rural areas, particularly regarding the closure of post offices, for example. Wider social aspects are involved. For instance, older people in rural areas who are not very mobile may like to go to town for the day, walk around, have a pint, have a meal etc. While some people may ask why the State should provide financial assistance, I believe it is part of the State's responsibility to look after such people. If on a specific day a minibus went through a particular area and collected people at their doorsteps and returned them home again, many more people would avail of such a service. It would fulfil a very substantial need in rural areas. As the Minister knows, many people live in fear and become quite isolated. Could the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs become involved in such an initiative?

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