Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)

The rural resettlement scheme introduced a number of years ago was quite successful. It encouraged people on the housing list to move from urban to rural settings. This issue was touched upon during the debate here on unfinished housing estates with the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. It would be worthwhile if this scheme were reintroduced as it would have a positive effect on some rural schools which are experiencing a fall in enrolments and are in danger of losing a teacher or closing. It would also have a positive effect on rural communities. We should perhaps be encouraging councillors in rural counties to consider the reintroduction of that scheme.