Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak on the budget this afternoon. The implications of the budget on the various sectors and Departments have been well debated by now. I am keen to focus on how the budget will affect the constituency I represent, Cork South-West. It is mainly a rural constituency and depends on the coastal area and on tourism. It has a significant agrifood industry, including a significant artisan food industry. There is a thriving artistic community in west Cork as well. An examination of many of the budget proposals clearly shows all of these sectors will benefit, albeit modestly. The message is that we have turned a corner and, I hope, there will be better days to come.

Specifically, I welcome the retention of the 9% VAT rate for the tourism sector that has created hundreds of extra jobs in west Cork and thousands of jobs in the country. It is most welcome. The agricultural taxation measures are significant for rural constituencies and areas. Now, those who do not own land can enter the farming sector with the knowledge that they can have long-term leases and long-term finances. The home renovation scheme for rental properties will greatly benefit the construction sector. The investment in Garda vehicles will have a significant impact on combatting crime in rural areas.

The biggest problem we face in most rural communities is a lost generation. It is the generation that would have driven economic growth in rural communities. The greatest challenge this budget can offer is to attract that generation back to our rural communities. I offer one example, a matter on which the Minister for Education and Skills has spoken previously, that is, small schools. It is clear from the budget that the investment is in place. Small schools have not amalgamated, closed or changed because of lack of investment. They have closed simply because there is a lack of children. I welcome the provisions of the budget and I hope we can go on from here.

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