I noted with interest yesterday's announcement regarding the rural development plan. I also noted the Taoiseach's reply to Deputy Micheál Martin's question a few minutes ago. I further noted the guarantees Government spokespersons offered yesterday regarding the provision of bus services to rural towns and villages. I do not think the Government will be able to provide bus services to all the rural towns and villages at the same time as Bus Éireann introduces major cuts to services. Is the Taoiseach prepared to introduce legislation - and is he preparing such legislation - to legally underpin the guarantees given yesterday in respect of the provision of bus services to rural towns and villages?

I note that Deputy Mick Barry has noted lots of things. I hope he reads the document published yesterday about realising the potential of rural Ireland. It was never the intention that every single town and village in the entire country would be provided with transport. It is the intention, in so far as possible, that where communities come together and where the position whereby transport is currently supplied by Bus Éireann is - for whatever reason arising from the discussions that take place between management and unions - changed, services will have to be supplied in a different way. The document draws together all the different programmes and agendas that have been there for a long time and puts them under the control and assessment of a senior Cabinet Ministry for rural affairs. It is one of the central features of the document, which is a worthwhile read. When the Deputy has read it, he can note that there are lots of things in it.

I have noted the Taoiseach's points.

It is the occasion for a big joke, is it?