Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues in offering my condolences to the family of the late Shane McEntee, with whom we worked very closely. It was very sad to be at his funeral on Christmas Eve. I also offer my condolences to the family of Senator Deirdre Clune following the death of her mother.

We heard the proposals of Kerry County Council some days ago on rural pubs and drink-driving. I do not condone drink-driving by any means.

Something must be done for people who are isolated in their homes, do not get an opportunity to get our or cannot travel to their local pub. Something must also be done for the local pubs. I have been contacted regularly by publicans in towns and villages in the north west who have made substantial investments in their properties by refurbishing them and, as a result, are paying substantial, increased rates. This also applies to restaurant owners and it opens up the whole debate. We should look again at the issue of rural transport and ways of encouraging people to come out because it would be good for those who are isolated in rural areas and it would also be good for towns and villages and keep the pub trade alive. As we move forward into the year of the Gathering, we should remember that those who are isolated in their homes have great stories to tell and would be great ambassadors if we received visitors. In the same context, the incidence of suicide is a major problem, as mentioned by some of my colleagues. This measure would help some of those who are isolated.

I concur with my colleague Senator Feargal Quinn that it is vitally important that the Government fill the current vacancies on the board of the Food Safety Authority.