John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to try to arrange a debate on rural transport. Elsewhere in Europe, people in rural areas live in villages to which farmers return in the evening. Ireland, however, has a unique rural settlement pattern of scattered housing in remote areas. It would be constructive to license people to provide a rural transport service so that people can go to villages for sports and religious events, as well as to visit the pub. Such a service would be very useful for communities because Ireland has changed in recent years and the fact that people cannot take more than two drinks before driving has had a significant effect. The ban on smoking in pubs has also had an impact. Transport is necessary not only for public houses but also for other places of social interaction. In addition, major drinks companies might consider low alcohol alternatives to popular drinks such as Guinness and Heineken for people who want to drink two pints and still be able to drive home safely.