Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is welcome that the Minister has received that final report. Will it be published? The Minister said she will now consider it. How long does she think that will take? This is an important mechanism for rural communities and it is going to be particularly important as we face into measures that are going to have to be taken with regard to climate action because it is important that we bring rural communities with us. It is also important that the policies brought forward in respect of climate measures or otherwise across Departments consider rural communities and any impacts that may not necessarily be foreseen. It is important that all measures are examined through the lens of rural-proofing. That is why it is so important to get the mechanism right.

The Minister will be aware that rural-proofing is in place in the North of Ireland and works quite well. I presume that was one of the areas examined. Will the Minister give us a bit more information about the final report and if and when it will be published?

See this speech in context