Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I refer to a debate we held in this House on the future of rural Ireland with the Minister of State with special responsibility for rural economic development, Deputy Ann Phelan. During the debate on the CEDRA report, I called for a special task force to be set up to examine and implement the report. I am pleased that, on Monday this week, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly and the Minister of State announced an expert advisory group under the chairmanship of Mr. Pat Spillane. Members of the group will include Mr. Pat McDonagh of Supermacs, Mr. Edmond Harty of Dairymaster, Mr. Chris Martin, CEO of Supervalu, and Ms Helen Carroll from "Ear to the Ground". The full committee has not yet been decided but I think it is extremely important to include a representative of local government in this country, namely, the president of the Association of County and City Councils, who would bring to the table a knowledge and understanding of the issues pertaining to towns and to rural Ireland. I have written to both Ministers on this matter.

CEDRA has put forward 34 recommendations, including on the provision of broadband, parking and rates. No timelines have been given for the implementation of the report, and in a radio interview on Monday evening Mr. Pat Spillane himself was unable to give clear timelines. I call for a further debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, to examine and prioritise the needs and wants of rural Ireland in order that we can ensure that five or six key items in the report can be implemented in the remaining lifetime of this Government.

I also wish to voice my support for Senator Norris's concerns regarding wage cuts for ushers in this establishment. Regardless of whether we have a right to affect this issue, we have a voice and I am using my voice to support Senator Norris.