Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

No, that will be later on. Travelling around the area, we saw the value of community employment schemes because in many of these places there is little else besides a little farming and tourism. On that point, I thank the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, for helping us with the filming of "Star Wars". The area is now all the rage and everyone is blowing about how good the film is, which is true. I acknowledge the work the Minister did at a critical time. When I told her we needed this, that and the other, she did what I asked. This means an awful lot of money for south Kerry, the county and Ireland, and I hope we will reap the rewards.

To return to community employment, the more money we invest in these schemes, the better, because they help the communities, the environment and individuals. Small farmers and others need a little extra income. The Minister of State comes from humble beginnings and will know what it is like to need a bit of a boost every week. Whether the sum involved is €150, €190, €220 or €250 extra per week, it can be the difference between surviving and being unable to survive.

The more money that can be invested in fibre optic broadband in our communities, the better, because it will help small businesses and households to create employment for themselves. It will also assist with education, which is the backbone of everything. If we cannot educate our young people, we will have nothing. I thank the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, for the work he has done on this terribly important issue to date.

How am I doing for time?

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