Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Let me give the Minister one example. The Summerhill active retirement group submitted a document that depicts what life is like, in terms of poverty, in rural Ireland. The group's submission highlighted the case of an 87 year old woman who came to the group for assistance. She is a widow with poor eyesight who suffers from chronic ill health. Her home was in such poor repair that she had to take all her meals in one room and live in that room because the rest of the house was too cold. Her situation improved with the assistance of the active retirement group. However, her case is a clear indication that poverty exists in the countryside. We must not forget this and must be aware that just because it is less visible, it is no less dangerous or damaging than in urban areas.

Three years ago the National University of Ireland Maynooth, UCD and Teagasc published a report entitled Rural Ireland 2025 which stated that current rural affairs policy would lead to a dramatic reduction in farming numbers and a widespread decline in commercial farming. If the market determines that farming numbers will decrease, there is only so much we can do, but we can ensure we have programmes in place to encourage people to diversify and retrain for areas such as specialist food production and agritourism. We all accept the rural development programme can help them to do that, but only if there are sufficient resources in place.

We have all seen the benefits of diversification away from farming towards the utilisation of the facilities and benefits of the countryside. In my constituency, Rathbeggan Lakes provide an excellent example of what can be done in terms of rural innovation and diversification. They have fisheries, a pet farm and an allotment scheme, which encourages urban dwellers to come and grow vegetables. This is valuable to the community. Other projects have helped to encourage economic diversification elsewhere.

I am aware of a wide range of projects put in place by Meath Leader and Meath Partnership. An artist in Bellewstown has received a donation for a new studio. Community groups in the north of Meath are taking care of their local village greens and a potter has received financial assistance for kilns. These projects are making real differences to life in rural Ireland. Senator Quinn mentioned artisan foods and the production of quality organic cheeses. Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned mná tí and the encouragement of the development of walking routes. I benefited from going to the Gaeltacht last August to learn Irish in the morning and walk in the afternoons. I am better at walking than I was, but I am not so sure about my Irish. However, I intend to return to the Gaeltacht. It is such schemes that can help improve tourism in the countryside.

Ireland is stalled with regard to the development of walking routes in the countryside. The Minister has tried to improve the situation for walkers in the past couple of years, but this area needs greater emphasis. The Labour Party tried to introduce a Bill recently. Will the Minister take another look at how to encourage more members of rural communities to take part in walking schemes to encourage more people into the countryside.

Projects like these must be nurtured and encouraged. The programme for rural development provides some security and cause for optimism for people living in the countryside, but it will only improve matters if the finances are guaranteed. It is incumbent on the Minister to ensure he maintains these resources and that the rural development programme does not suffer from cutbacks.