Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality has set out her plans within the confines of the existing budget. We are entering into a mid-term review of capital expenditure programmes and a public consultation process is under way. One of the key themes of the plan will be how to deliver sustainable regional and rural development. We will have to examine closely priority areas where we could make investments in regional and rural networks. I cannot decide whether investing in rural Garda stations is the priority, or whether there are other investments that could boost regional and rural development. As regards my own Department, building education networks in the regions will be vital to achieving our ambitions to have strong and vibrant rural communities. I am sure each Minister will be examining these matters in the context of the challenge to embed regional development as we approach the mid-term review, but in any capital plan resources will be scarce. I will, however, convey the Senator's views to the Tánaiste.