Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Michael Comiskey in his comments on rural pubs. We need to examine the issue of rural transport to develop some scheme whereby pubs and other places which people attend for entertainment would co-operate to provide transport. As has been noted, people are isolated, an issue we could usefully discuss in this House with a view to developing ideas for an economic solution to the daily difficulties encountered by people living in rural areas. Vintners and publicans need to start thinking outside the box. Perhaps different forms of entertainment could be made available in pubs rather than focusing purely on the sale of alcohol. Obviously, however, many like to go to the pub to enjoy a few drinks. I recently asked for tea in a pub and was stared at as if I had ten heads.