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

The people of rural Ireland would say to the Ceann Comhairle that the Minister has been very hard on them. He got help from Members in this Chamber to be hard on the people of rural Ireland. He has caused much hurt, anger and anguish to many people around the country without any need or justification. It is clear that he did not, and does not, know or understand what the people of rural Ireland have to go through to live, remain and travel around the places where they live, to go to work and other necessary things such as attending schools. The Minister does not understand it.

I am still very disappointed with the Deputies who backed the Minister. They should have known because many of them are from rural places and should not have allowed him to do what he has done to rural Ireland. He has practically shut down rural Ireland.

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