Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

Before Christmas, my colleague, Senator Paddy Burke, and I ploughed a lonely furrow in our efforts to have a debate on this issue attended by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív. Last week the Leader agreed to try to arrange for the Minister to come to the House. This is a matter of deep importance for people living in rural areas.