Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague, Senator Coffey, for his generosity in almost evenly splitting the six-minute slot. I am glad to say a few words in support of this motion and I am disappointed the Minister of State's party colleagues have proposed an amendment. We have tried to frame this in a very inclusive fashion. Unusually for an Opposition motion it does not bash the Government, condemn or complain but requests that we, as a House, support the concept of rural transport and call on the Government and appropriate agencies to keep the system running.

It is ironic in a sense that we are discussing rural transport in the rarefied confines of Dublin 2 and Dublin 4. It is within a few miles of this privileged House that a decision is made on whether a person in the middle of rural Ireland will have a bus link service. Of all the lobby groups which have presented their case over the past number of months, those representing rural transport have made the most solid case. From an economic perspective, we have seen the outstanding value given for a minimal injection of Exchequer funds. If every other scheme could turn an €11 million investment into social capital similar to that realised by the rural transport scheme, this country would not be facing its current difficulties.

I have acknowledged on many occasions that we are in a state of extremely grave economic peril and that there is a need for economic restraint and a measure of common sense. Cutbacks will have to be made and there is no point in stating otherwise. However, we must examine in detail the proposed cutbacks across a broad range of Departments. The fact the McCarthy report contains a recommendation in respect of a particular scheme does not mean it is wrong to invest money in that scheme. The arguments relating to social value of the rural transport scheme must be brought to the fore.

Earlier today, the House debated the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009. When we discuss planning and development, "sustainability" is the buzz word to which everyone refers. If we want to retain rural Ireland as a sustainable economic and social unit, we must ensure there is a transport system for those who, in the absence of such a system, would not see certain of their friends, neighbours or relatives from one end of the week to the next. That is a measure of the importance of this scheme.

For a minimal investment on the part of the taxpayer, an outstanding return has been forthcoming from those who operate this system and for those who use it. I appreciate that the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, was obliged to read his long script - which addressed many matters but not really that which is the subject of the motion - into the record. It is unfortunate that there will be a vote on this matter. Regardless of that fact, it is important that the Minister of State should impress on his colleagues in government that this scheme, which provides outstanding value for money, must be maintained. If every other allocation of Government resources produced the same results, the country would be much better off.

The Members of this House, which is located in a privileged part of this city, must try to ensure that those who live far from here in remote rural regions are not ignored. These people have their rights and we have a responsibility towards them.