Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank speakers for their contributions. I came here to listen as well and I will take up Senator Ruane's offer to go into the community in parts of Dublin. It is important to see everything at first hand. As a local activist myself, I know the feelings behind a lot of what has been said this evening. We know what austerity caused.

I agree with Senator Paul Daly that it is not all about money. I was in Tubbercurry a couple of weeks ago for the launch of the smart towns initiative, where I saw some money and a lot of local spirit creating something special, which we will replicate in other towns. All the agencies come together with the local authority to pursue one synchronised agenda. Whether it is the heart of a city or a rural area, this is the secret weapon.

I smiled when Senator Conway-Walsh said her heart was broken. I thought it was September and her county was in the all-Ireland final again.