Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the motion. I agree with the previous speaker with regard to coverage of this issue. At this morning's meeting of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, the issue of bias on the part of the public sector broadcaster was raised by members on all sides who have concerns with regard to that matter. The House would do well to heed the words of the former Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to the effect that this is a very serious issue and that it should be treated as such. I expect that the incumbent Minister will examine the issue in the context in which Deputy Rabbitte has raised it.

Having served on a local authority from 2003 to 2011 and having witnessed the condition of our water infrastructure following years of under-investment, I am glad that a programme of works and capital investment has finally been put in place. Such a programme is badly needed throughout the country, particularly in the context of facilitating the recovery that is already well under way.

Prior to this debate, the House engaged in a discussion on the future of the dairy industry and the importance the latter will have in terms of the recovery in rural areas. It is noticeable that not a single Member of the Opposition, either from a political party or an Independent, was present for that debate. Following on from that, it must be noted that the motion before the House was drafted by Members who represent Dublin constituencies. It is in the names of Deputies Higgins, Coppinger, Paul Murphy, Clare Daly, Boyd Barrett and Finian McGrath. Not one rural Deputy signed up to it.

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