Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I was reminded of the return of the old romantic by the Minister's references to aspects of rural Ireland that have regrettably long since disappeared. If I believed he and his Department and the other relevant Departments had begun to deal with the aspects of rural development he espouses, I would consider his appointment as Minister with responsibility for this area to be justified and overdue. Unfortunately, however, while he highlighted many aspects of rural Ireland that are in decline, nothing has been done to stem the exodus from the countryside. For example, earlier today, on the 1 o'clock news on the radio, I heard of another example of how bureaucracy in the form of European Union legislation had denied a farming couple the opportunity to enhance their income in a small way by engaging in value added activities on their farm. They have had to close their small industry. It is regrettable that such incidents continue to happen because of the need to implement EU directives. When the Minister ensures legitimate efforts to improve rural farm incomes are recognised and allowed, we will recognise that he has made an impact on his Department.

I do not doubt the Minister's intentions. One of his early initiatives related to the CLÁR programme. While the programme is not a new development – the Minister has used it to his political advantage in his constituency – it can be of great benefit to many rural communities which are suffering population decline. I welcome his initiative in extending the programme to other areas and widening its application.

The Minister has identified areas that have suffered population decline. They are widespread throughout rural Ireland, especially in the west, including his constituency. If areas of designation, such as those under the European Union habitats directive, are superimposed on CLÁR programme areas, it will be clear that the aims of designation and the programme are incompatible. For example, 25% or more of County Galway is designated and this is set to accelerate. Rural communities in County Mayo are protesting about their inclusion in areas of designation, while recently there were similar protests by communities on the banks of the River Shannon.