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

There could be a perceived conflict of interest on some of these matters. As I have done before, I remind the Taoiseach that his remit does not stop at the Red Cow roundabout. There was much about rural-proofing Government policy in the programme for Government. In the past, the Taoiseach came in here and attacked our beef industry. He has abandoned our health service. University Hospital Kerry, for example, is continually having its status as a university hospital attacked by stealth. The Taoiseach should know a lot about rural general practitioners and other doctors. Owing to Government policy, they are finding it impossible to carry on servicing rural communities. Our pubs and pub culture are on their knees. Our post offices are hanging only by a thread because the Department of Employment Affairs Social Protection is still continuing to encourage people to get paid through the banks. All the Government is doing about housing is attacking a core of people who are doing their best to provide accommodation to others.

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