Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy on one thing. There is rural isolation which is something that the Government is responding to and will continue to do so. That is why we will spend billions of euro on the national broadband scheme, to ensure that everyone in Kerry, regardless of where they live will be able to access high-speed broadband and all the services that will bring directly into their homes. Rural Ireland is changing. The idea that we will somehow keep hope alive by allowing people to drink and drive on their own local roads as a way of reducing isolation in rural Ireland is just irresponsible and frankly will not work.

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