Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday Members had a helpful debate in respect of rural development. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, was very forthcoming on issues under his remit. He also suggested that Members might invite him back to the House a number of times because the portfolio under discussion is multifaceted and very comprehensive. Although yesterday's debate had been allocated a reasonable amount of time, Members found they were unable to get to the nitty-gritty of some of the issues in which they were interested.

Obviously, the news that the Minister will announce details next week of the Leader programme with a budget of €425 million is welcome. However, Members would like to discuss many issues that fall within that budget. I refer in particular to the need for diversification into non-agricultural areas of employment, social issues and so on. While many issues may apply to both urban and rural areas, rural Ireland undoubtedly has specific issues and challenges. As more than one third of the population lives in rural Ireland, it requires a considerable amount of attention.

I listened to "The Late Late Show" the other night. Other Members also may have seen the programme. It featured Councillor Michael Healy-Rae who to an extent was representing rural Ireland. It struck me that the points he made regarding one-off housing, planning restrictions and so on struck a chord with what basically was an urban-based audience. While I was surprised by the good reaction he received, most fair-minded people will agree that a serious issue exists. One cannot have rural development without people and all Members will have encountered cases that are very difficult to explain. It is a matter neither of bad planning nor of having no respect for the environment. It is quite the opposite because the people——