Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like everyone, I view Bord na Móna as a model for every other organisation in transitioning in a fair way. It is embedded in the communities where it has worked since its inception. It is undertaking a large number of pilot schemes to examine ways of diversifying its business model and changing what it is doing from brown to green. That model will stand the test of time and show how any country or company can transition in a way that will retain jobs in communities. Granted, they might be different, but I am fully confident that Bord na Móna's potential will be delivered on in time, although there are issues. It will be laying off people in certain places because it is getting out of certain types of business. However, it is regenerating other businesses and creating new, more sustainable jobs. That is what it is all about.

The Deputy referred to rural Ireland being left with just the crumbs from the table. If we put the national broadband plan in place and give everyone in rural Ireland a chance, we will leave no one behind. I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy in that regard.

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