Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I agree with the sentiments of previous speakers on isolation and the importance of the rural bus network. Last week we heard how Bus Éireann, the national bus provider, will also cut networks in and around the country. Rural isolation will have a significant social impact, and we must remember that Ireland is predominantly rural. Much of the time politicians in Dublin forget that beyond the Pale there is three quarters of the population who still require services.