James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We must consider the legislation governing driving instructors. There should be a greater emphasis on showing respect for other road users instead of getting clients over the hurdle of passing tests. When a driver in the US is about to reach disqualification stage, he or she must undertake a training and driving test programme. This is something that should be considered for Ireland, as it would lead to improved driving techniques by careless drivers while giving them a second chance.

I have an issue with the law in a couple of respects. For example, a person in whose name a vehicle is registered may be given penalty points even though he or she can prove that somebody else was driving the car. Even the Taoiseach could get caught on that one. I would also like to see sensible speed limits of greater than 30 km/h on national roads on the outskirts of villages like Rathowen, Ballinalack and Newtownforbes on the N4.

Broadband is vital for the economy of the midlands. Without it, the ability of companies to conduct business in the global marketplace is limited or undermined. Our business sector is suffering from a lack of competitiveness in many parts of the country, particularly the midlands, because we did not introduce broadband on time. Ireland is close to the bottom of an EU league table on broadband availability in schools - we are 20th out of 27 countries. If we do not address this problem now, local rural communities will die as young people leave broadband deserts. Young people in rural Ireland are suffering significant educational disadvantage due to the lack of broadband access. They experience difficulties doing homework and projects due to lack of Internet availability. They are also at a considerable disadvantage socially, in that they are unable to socialise with friends on websites like Facebook, which can provide a major social outlet for those living in remote areas.

The agri-sector has the capacity to lead the economic recovery, now that it is given proper supports. This Government will invest over €12 billion in Irish agriculture between 2014 and 2020. A total of €8.5 billion will go towards direct payments to farmers, while over €4 billion will go towards rural development. This is a hugely significant development for the agricultural industry and is a record in the history of the State. It is very important for the Irish economy to support our farmers. The Irish family farm is the foundation stone of the rural community and it is driving the rebirth of the agrifood services. Agriculture is at the heart of working life in Longford-Westmeath and while farming had to deal with more than its fair share of setbacks in recent years, farmers in this constituency have displayed great resilience in both dealing with and bouncing back from the effects of the recession. Fine Gael has always had a good record in supporting agriculture, having established the Office of the Agriculture Ombudsman which allows farmers to seek redress. My priority is to ensure this funding is put to the best use to grow and develop the industry based on producing food in a safe and healthy way while protecting the environment.

As a rural Deputy and a farmer myself, I know first hand how important agriculture is to our economy. Funding agriculture in our local communities is a positive investment with long-term economic and social benefits. As the rural development programme is co-financed by the EU, it is important to draw down the maximum funding under Pillar 2. It would make no sense to hand back money to Europe at a time of grave economic difficulty for the farming community and the country. The way to restore our economy is to support our farming community because farmers will build and spend thus helping to drive economic recovery.

I support the timely and efficient payment of farm entitlements. I campaigned for the prompt payments regime now in place. It is important to point out that nothing has been finalised as yet and everything is up for negotiation. I will do my utmost to see that existing schemes are protected and the necessary supports provided under Pillar 2 are included. I am confident the farming community will play a strong and an important role in revitalising the economy. The Government is committed to overcoming the challenges facing the agricultural sector. I want to see a sustainable future for the agricultural community. Providing the best possible education opportunities for young farmers is the key to giving Irish agriculture a competitive advantage in the future.

I call on the Minister to focus on rural job creation. Longford has excellent business premises which would be very attractive to prospective investors. There are at least 50 vacant units around Longford town in the many business parks. I have invited the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, and the Taoiseach to make a return visit following their visit towards the end of last year. I invite them to send the State agencies to Longford to review these facilities and structures as well as existing businesses in order to highlight and identify the opportunities already in place for job creation and industry in rural counties such as Longford and Westmeath.

The problem of the availability of social housing in Dublin was discussed yesterday. There is no place cheaper for purchasing homes than in the midlands because of the rural renewal scheme that ran on for too long. A home can be purchased at one eighth of the price of a home in Dublin. Consideration should be given to relocating businesses to the midlands. I am sure the Acting Chairman will agree with me.

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