We are delighted that there is an emphasis on rural affairs in A Programme for a Partnership Government and also the return of a Minister with responsibility for rural affairs, namely, Deputy Ring. The most recent Fianna Fáil Government had a similar position and it was held by Deputy Ó Cuív. One of the things that had a great impact on many counties was the announcement by the Minister, Deputy Ring, two years ago to support the agricultural and industrial shows. There are shows in Ballivor, Longford, Strokestown, Mohill, County Leitrim, and Bonniconlon, County Mayo. There are more than 100 shows in all. The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development was significant and important. I read an article by Eithne Dodd in The Sunday Business Post which indicated that funding has been cut back. I want to be fair. The grants are not being taken away entirely but the amounts provided are being reduced. Those agricultural and industrial shows now have increased insurance costs, as well as many other costs. They are vital for local economies and add much to the areas in which they take place. I do not expect the Taoiseach to have an answer today. Will he, however, ask the Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, to restore the previous level of funding? It was a great initiative when it was brought in and it is sad that it has been cut back.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I had the opportunity to attend many shows last summer. I was at the Iverk show in Piltown and also at the show in Virginia. I hope to have the opportunity to make it to some shows this summer.

The budget of the Department of Rural and Community Development increased significantly this year. I think it was one of the biggest percentage increases overall. It is, however, the responsibility of the Minister to decide how those funds are divvied up. I am not sure what the situation is exactly in the context of rural shows. The Minister is in Castlebar at a very important political event, namely, the impending election of Maria Walsh to the European Parliament, giving Fine Gael a second seat in that constituency and topping off our best result in the European elections since 1984. I digress but I will definitely get the Minister to check on the issue raised by Deputy Eugene Murphy and respond to him directly. It might be four seats or five, but it will be the best result for Fine Gael since 1984. As a result, I have given the Minister the day off.

We cannot get into the political developments. I call Deputy Butler.