Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We heard again today about another cutback on social services in rural Ireland, with the decision to cut back or review bus routes in all parts of the country. It should be recognised that Ireland is a place where we have both urban and rural communities. We have had a cutback in bus services in the capital and now the bus services in rural areas are to be reviewed. It should be recognised that bus services are a crucial part of the lifestyle of people in rural areas, whether in Dún Chaoin, Moville, Castletownbere, Waterford or Wexford. Therefore, this cutback is one more brick being taken from the wall of support there for them. Bus services are as important an artery of living for rural communities as broadband is and should be. The issue must be dealt with.

I appeal to politicians from all sides in both Houses not to be sucked into making major demands for a bus route in their constituencies. That is what always happens. This is a national issue in line with public policy. It is socially and ecologically important to the lives of ordinary people and, therefore, concurs with energy, social and green policy. Cutbacks in this area are not a clever saving of money, but rather something for which we will pay an even greater price. We will have more cars on the road and people will be in a less secure position. In particular, the cutbacks will hurt people without money or transport of their own and elderly people who cannot or will not drive. I ask the Leader to ensure we have a full debate on the issue in the House. This is just one more example of how easy it is to turn out the lights in rural Ireland and no one says anything.

I saw in one of today's newspapers that there is huge demand to restore a service in one part of Ireland, but I will not mention where. That is not the way to do it. The issue affects every one of us and all our constituencies. We should inform the Government this is something we will oppose. This is the kind of ridiculous move that embarrasses and undermines Government and ensures people have less trust in politics.