Before commencing the Order of Business, I call on the Taoiseach to make an announcement to the House.
Appointment of Minister of State
Two weeks off.
I wish to announce for the information of the Dáil that the Government yesterday assigned Deputy Ann Phelan to be Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with special responsibility for local community rural economic development issues, including implementation of the CEDRA report. This is in addition to her existing responsibilities as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for rural economic development, implementation of the CEDRA report and rural transport.
I thought Deputy Butler might have got a job.
Pat Spillane will listen to that with interest.
On a point of order, is there any opportunity to discuss that matter or the report?
Could we have extra time?
No. There is no provision for it in the Standing Orders. This is an announcement.
I know, but it is very late in the day. The story of the Government regarding rural Ireland has been one of consistent neglect.
Ask Pat Spillane.
Pat Spillane said that.
He is one of the Government's advisers.
As Deputies are aware, there is a €2.5 billion allocation for rural Ireland in the rural development programme.
Big Phil Hogan went to Brussels.
(Interruptions).
Remember insulation aid? Fianna Fáil got rid of that.
There is a new super junior Minister coming up.
As Deputy Martin is aware, there is a €2.5 billion allocation for rural development under the CAP programme.
(Interruptions).
A few hundred quid.
Phil Hogan put paid to that.
(Interruptions).