Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

Halfway through it changed its mind and decided it wanted decoupling. It is very hard for the Minister. We will have to wait and see what is contained.

Senator O'Toole mentioned rural development. I do not agree that rural areas are dying. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, has responsibility for rural development. Funding from the CLÁR programme, which he introduced, is bringing rural communities back to life. This funding is providing roads for people who had no roads, with sewerage and water schemes which are making a difference, particularly in my area in the north-west.