The White Paper on Rural Development published earlier this year Ensuring the Future: A Strategy for Rural Development in Ireland set out the Government's vision and plans for the development of rural communities in Ireland and represents a firm commitment by this Government to rural development.
The White Paper expressly recognises that provision of, and access to, health care services are very important to rural communities and states that the Government is committed to continuing to meet the challenges of health care service provision to these communities. In line with the White Paper, I am pleased to say that projects aimed at meeting those needs will continue to attract priority support from both health boards and my Department in the context of funding provision.