Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to note the Action Plan for Jobs because more people are now back at work. The biggest area of job creation in this country was outside Dublin in the past year. Approximately 1,300 jobs per week have been created. As much as 70% of the jobs created last year were located outside Dublin. That proves the recovery is beginning to happen beyond Dublin, which is a fact that we all welcome.

Some of the decisions taken by local authorities in the past have led to the decimation of many rural towns due to building taking place on the periphery of such towns. Senator Murnane O'Connor will know quite well what I mean. We need to reincentivise urban towns in rural Ireland in terms of the living over the shop scheme, etc. Last week Senators Butler and Davitt spoke about rates. We have the Seanad consultative committee. I hope that the committee, as part of our work, will in time consider rates as a means to help revitalise rural Ireland. It is an issue that Senator Murnane O'Connor raised as well.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of Bord na Móna. I am unfamiliar with what the Senator mentioned. He made a pertinent point that needs to be considered by the Minister in the context of the role of Bord na Móna in terms of alternative fuel, and how it can continue to create employment in rural Ireland and work with communities. I am happy to invite the Minister to the House for a debate.

I am happy to accept Senator Mark Daly's amendment.