Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased the Cathaoirleach allowed me to raise this matter on the Adjournment. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, for coming to the House to reply to it.

I have a great interest in the rural transport initiative which has helped so many people around the country through the 33 or 34 schemes involved in it. We are lucky to have two schemes in Galway, one in south east Galway and one in north Connemara. These pilot schemes are due to finish at the end of this year and they will be permanently in place from next year. I hope more funding will be put in place for 2007 and that the schemes will be expanded.

In south east Galway, for example, the service allows people to shop or carry out other business in towns like Ballinasloe, Portumna, Loughrea and even to Athlone once a month. This is a most useful service. In addition to putting the scheme on a permanent basis next year, it should be expanded to allow people to access entertainment in the evening such as visits to restaurants, cinemas, public houses and other places of entertainment. The issue has been discussed at local level in County Galway. The county engineer held meetings with groups such as those that run the current pilot schemes. There is great interest in extending the scheme for the purposes I have already outlined. Getting people to and from places safely is an important aspect of the matter at a time when drinking and driving is a big concern.

I hope the Minister of State is in a position to announce extra funding at the same time as the extension of the scheme. It is important that such a scheme would be put in place, especially during the Christmas season and that extra funding would be provided for it when the permanent scheme commences.