James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I welcome the maintenance of funding for rural transport in 2012. I also welcome that an integrated approach to public transport in rural areas is being examined. The rural transport project has proven to be a success story in terms of its addressing social exclusion in rural areas through the provision of a door-to-door service to worthy and vulnerable people in our society.

I ask that the Minister of State consider the position of rural areas and increase rural subvention and service provision, taking rural transport under the umbrella of national provision rather than as an add-on. There is much uncertainty in this area, in which the LEADER groups are involved. People in rural areas require continuity of service. There is always a fear when budgets are due to be announced that such budgets will deplete or reduce funding for rural services. It is important rural transport is supported.

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