Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Priority questions at that time was nearly a better model because the Opposition person had about three or four minutes or more per question. Ministers might prefer the present system where it is one minute and one minute, but that is what the Opposition today wants. It does not often see things through, but anyway.

The one thing I agree with Deputy Bruton on is the opportunities opening up for rural Ireland and I have seen it myself as I have travelled the length and breadth of the country. Sometimes there is a very negative narrative around rural Ireland but it is actually growing and I think technology is a great enabler. One thing I will say is I reacted at the time with dismay to the decision of our previous Government, of which I was not a member and was in opposition, to abolish town councils and town commissioners. Many towns that grew around the country had leadership at local level who had a vision for their town. In my own area, I think of towns like Kinsale or the Clonakiltys of this world where they had a vision locally and it worked. The town commissioners across the country worked, including many in Waterford, Lismore being one. It was in our document last time and I think all parties should have it if we are serious about it. Deputy Howlin was Minister at the time, or was in that Government, and he says he now regrets that decision.

Anyway, the Deputy is making a broader point on what can be done for rural Ireland and I am 100% in agreement with that. It is growing. We need investment in water, the grid and housing because grid and water connections are the big holdback currently.

See this speech in context