Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I call for a debate on rural pubs which is an issue we have talked about here before. I welcome the fact of a rural affairs ministerial appointment. I am not sure of all of the details but congratulate everybody that has been appointed a junior Minister so far.

The closure of rural pubs is a huge problem. I listened to the radio as I travelled here this morning and learned that a new report on rural pubs has been published. A number of issues were outlined such as rates, which I have spoken about here before, taxation and transport in rural Ireland. At the same time that pubs are closing in rural areas there are isolated people living alone in those areas, and sometimes in fear. A rural pub would be a great outlet for them. If they can travel they could enjoy a few hours socially with their neighbours and friends. It is important we debate these issues in the autumn.