Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, back to the House. There is some confusion about the procedure for this debate on rural development which commenced some time ago. There was a substantial number of speakers on the last occasion. Perhaps Members had looked for extra time and some did not get a chance to speak.

This is a good day to resume the debate as we have already debated the national spatial strategy, decentralisation and the strategic rail review. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has articulated some concerns in recent months with regard to planning and development in rural areas. Every Member of the Oireachtas, with other public representatives, has great difficulty with the heading rural development policy. What does "rural development" mean?