James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Supports must be provided for voluntary and community groups in both urban and rural settings, in particular, the groups that are already active. Some villages are strong in that regard, but they tend to be the ones with schools and shops. There are many small villages in rural Ireland that do not have that centre and we must find ways to encourage greater interconnectivity in them. Obviously, people with disabilities and older people are vulnerable, but there are many young and healthy people, in particular, farmers, who are being isolated also. The creamery man collects milk without talking to the farmer, while the postman leaves post in a little green box at the bottom of a lane. Farmers can go days without speaking to anyone, which is a serious issue. Equally, there is an issue in urban settings, including large cities. Sometimes the loneliest place someone can be is where he or she is surrounded by people, especially if he or she is elderly. I ask the Minister to do whatever he can to combat this epidemic.

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