Senator Murphy
secures Rural and Community Affairs portfolio in Seanad Eireann
Fianna
Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has accepted a request from Taoiseach Michéal Martin
to take on the role of the Rural and Community Affairs portfolio in Seanad
Eireann. The Senator who is the sole Government representative in County
Roscommon said he was delighted to take on this important role.
“I
received a phone call from An Taoiseach Michéal Martin on Saturday evening
requested me to take on the Rural and Community Affairs portfolio in Seanad
Eireann. I was delighted to accept the offer and I assured the Taoiseach I
would put my best effort into this area. The Taoiseach spoke about the
importance of delivering the programme for Government to the people and as the
sole Government representative in County Roscommon and one of only two
Government representatives in Roscommon/Galway, I will endeavour to use every
opportunity to work and deliver to rural communities but also acknowledging the
fact that my role is also to deliver to the wider region,” said Senator Murphy.
The
Fianna Fáil Senator went on to say that he would be working closely with Social
Protection, Community and Rural Development Minister Heather Humphreys and the
Government Chief Whip Dara Calleary to make sure that there was a specific
emphasis on economic recovery in the West in the aftermath of the Covid19 fallout.
“The West in particular will bear the brunt of the fallout in the aftermath of
Covid19 and it is vital that the July jobs stimulus package places particular
emphasis on recovery for this region,” said Senator Murphy.
The Fianna Fáil Senator welcomed the fact that work had begun
already on a significant July jobs stimulus package which could include
bolstering SMEs, improving grants for businesses and credit lines while
targeting thousands of young unemployed people.
“One of my first priorities will be meeting with Minister
Catherine Martin to ensure a speedier delivery of broadband to rural localities
and to ensure the quick establishment of broadband hubs,” said Senator Murphy.
