There has been a lot of talk and concern about the waste of taxpayers' money in recent weeks. All those issues are well-known. A number of months ago, Racket Hall Country House Hotel in Roscrea was taken over. It was the last social venue in Roscrea and there were many issues in respect of why it was taken over. It was accepted that it was a mistake. To make a bad situation worse, the Government decided to put €150,000 towards taking Grant's Hotel in the town to see if it could be used for something in the community. Everyone is laughing at this. Officials and Ministers are laughing at this. Fáilte Ireland is laughing at this. Since when did the State become a hotelier? I drove past the hotel last night and there is a big "For sale" sign. A private person is selling it. Is the State now going to buy it?

Roscrea needs so much. It needs a new nursing home and a new secondary school. There is €150,000 being spent. The Garda station in the town is closed much of the time because there are not enough gardaí. I welcome the funding and I want the €150,000, but can we not put it towards what is appropriate? There is no way this is feasible.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. My Department of Rural and Community Development is committed to investing in rural Ireland. We are committed to repurposing old buildings and changing them for 21st century use. There has been engagement between my Department and the local authority in Tipperary and we will continue to engage and progress the proposals it brings to us.