Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak about the budget from the perspective of an independent rural Deputy. I begin by speaking about my role in the Departments of Rural and Community Development and Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I welcome the allocation of €190 million for the national broadband plan in 2020. This is a clear indication of the Government's intention to get the plan in place.

It will get the 1.1 million people, including farmers and small businesses, who do not have broadband back on track and bring them into the digital age, ensuring no one is left behind. The €8 million fund for the digital skills initiative will provide for 25,000 citizens and SMEs to be upskilled to ensure they are ready for digitalisation. As a rural Deputy, I am aware of the sporadic roll-out of broadband in rural areas and how some people are left behind or left out for no apparent reason. The private sector has failed to provide for such people. The national broadband plan is the only way it will be done.

On climate action, the biggest measure is the €146 million, an increase of €29 million, made available to upgrade 24,000 homes and businesses. There are several positive aspects to this initiative, foremost among which is the fact that it will lead to people living in comfortable houses and having to spend less on energy. The average saving per household will be in the region of €1,200 per annum once the upgrades are completed. It is important that it is carried out. A new retrofitting model will deliver upgrades to a large number of houses at the same time such that we create economies of scale to reduce costs and get more for the money we spend. Another important measure is that those in fuel poverty or in receipt of fuel allowance will receive a grant to cover 100% of the cost of the upgrades, which is vital.

On rural and community development, the increase of €17 million in funding has been a major success, as €10 million of it will be added to the LEADER fund. Every Deputy is aware of the importance of the LEADER programme, its impact on community facilities and engagement and that it creates spaces where people can live, work, enjoy life and have an equal opportunity to that enjoyed by those who live in more updated urban areas. The allocation is to be welcomed. In addition, there is a €3 million package of targeted supports for the community and voluntary sector. As Members are aware, the voluntary sector is vital and we need to continue to support it. I look forward to the publication of the volunteering strategy on which we are working to supplement that. Another significant measure for towns and villages in rural Ireland is the investment of an additional €1 million in library services. These supports are very important to rural Ireland and, most importantly, will reach every citizen.

It is important to point out that we have had to protect our most vulnerable in the context of the budget. We are facing our biggest challenge since the founding of the State. It is important that young people are being looked after and that care hours are being increased such that we can care for our most vulnerable people, who made the country what it is. We must show respect for the elderly and provide care hours for them.

I welcome the extension of the help to buy scheme, which assists young people who are trying to save to buy a home. It is challenging to try to save a deposit while renting. The help-to-buy scheme is vital for such people and I am delighted that it has been extended for two years.

On education, I welcome that small rural schools will receive additional supports, including a better capitation grant, while those with four classrooms or fewer will be allocated a lower pupil-teacher ratio, which will help them in the fight to get additional teachers.

I commend the budget to the House. I am delighted and proud of what we have achieved in the prevailing difficult circumstances.

See this speech in context