Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I welcome this scheme which was a good initiative. I would prefer if the Minister had the review sooner, because it is important the scheme continues and is rolled out on a national basis. I hope the Minister continues to provide funding for the scheme. He has said he will provide it between now and the time the review is completed.

What plans has the Minister to roll out the scheme nationally? He said that in some rural areas hackneys and taxis are available, but in others they are not. It is important for rural people to have some kind of service to bring them to sporting events, bingo or wherever they need to go. The Minister should not take any notice of begrudgers who give out about funding.

Last week I tabled a question to ascertain the funding available for Dublin Bus and the Luas and there is much State intervention to provide funding for Dublin. However, as soon as rural Ireland is mentioned, a row breaks out and people become upset and uptight. Will the Minister continue this initiative on a national basis throughout the country? What priorities does he have in this regard?

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