Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. The Minister outlined the position in respect of regional and balanced development. With all that the country and its citizens have suffered in the past 15 months, it is time to take meaningful stock of what has happened in society. It is vital that we look at regional and balanced development. Many people have looked at the rat race that they were in. They have looked at rebalancing their lives and moving to rural Ireland to live and set up families and homes. The Dáil and the Government owe it to them to accept what has been a life change. At various points I have said in recent months that it can be a game changer for rural Ireland if the State and the Government allow it to happen and give the facilities that are necessary to ensure proper regional development.

Much has been said recently in terms of the digital age, digital hubs and so forth. There are so many strategies to bring them to fruition. When we work down through all the regulations and announcements it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how to fund digital hubs right through to ensure that they materialise in rural communities and that new impetus is given. We can work from home and work remotely. We have shown that society can work from rural Ireland. Young people are willing to do that.

We have seen that this is a game changer throughout the country in terms of all the other crises, including the housing crisis. The Minister spoke about regional development. It is vital that this idea is taken on board in the strongest possible terms by Government to ensure it really happens this time. It is vital to ensure there is real commitment and real energy given by Government to ensure that regional and balanced development materialise for the betterment not only of rural communities but for the entirety of citizens.

The Minister spoke on job creation. We are going to face a challenge to ensure everyone gets back to gainful employment. Challenges will arise in respect of the reduction in the pandemic unemployment payment and so forth. Many issues arise.

One issue that has been raised constantly in recent weeks relates to young people who have finished school in the past two weeks. They would normally get employment in the agriculture industry. The theory tests for driving licences have stopped that. There is a clamour for the theory test. I appeal to the Minister to ensure real urgency is brought so that something is done to alleviate the crisis. Many in the agriculture community, including agricultural contractors and families, have been in contact with me and everyone who represents rural communities for these people to come on board. There are jobs but the people cannot do them because of the backlog in the theory test. It was online last week but more needs to be done urgently to ensure people can take up gainful employment during the summer. People are willing to work.

The policy and plans are in place. Europe has come up with a certain amount of money. This is a global pandemic. At the start of it everyone said we were all in it together. Serious impetus needs to be given from the European Union to help Ireland. Those involved must accept that there are major challenges for all states to ensure that we can see out the pandemic as the vaccines are rolled out. I hope the vaccines will continue to be rolled out at pace and help give normal life back to our citizens.

There will be major changes from where we were in January or early February 2020 but we have to embrace those changes. I believe there are good points. There are certainly people who have suffered greatly, especially our elderly people and our young people. We have to ensure that we stand up to the plate and do what we can to lessen that suffering.

There is an issue in terms of English language schools and challenges for them to get funding.

There is one other point on funding. A sum of €30,000 was mentioned for the reopening of the hospitality sector. I call on the Minister to ensure fair play for rural pubs. That terrible phrase "wet pubs" was coined referring to pubs that only sell drink. Funding should be available for them because they need to get back up on their feet. They are an integral part of our communities and we need to ensure they open their doors. We need to ensure every incentive is given by the Government to open their doors.

My thanks for the opportunity to speak in the debate.

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