The rural pub is the heart and soul of rural communities. In many villages and towns, it is the last remaining space for villages and clubs to come together to support rural organisations. The rural pub is closing in dramatic fashion. Recently, a report by the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, VFI, found that there was significant pressure. One in four pubs has closed since 2005. This represents more than 2,000 pubs. This trend will continue. I want the Government to realise that there is significant value to the rural pub. A two-tier economy is developing in Ireland. If the Taoiseach comes to Connacht, he will see significant dereliction in our town centres. We need to protect the rural pub. Government policy on excise duty and VAT is hammering rural pubs. The other major issue for publicans is the lack of transport at night time. There has been a significant reduction in the number of taxis in Ireland. There has been an increase in population and an increase in State contracts in terms of the HSE and the Department of education. As a result, taxi drivers in the main are fulfilling their taxi obligations during the day.

Thank you, Deputy. It is one question, Deputy.

As a result, there are no taxis-----

Deputy Lawless, your time is up. The Taoiseach to respond.

-----at night time and publicans are forced to operate an informal taxi service-----

Deputy, your time is up.

-----which is causing massive pressure. Will the Taoiseach address the key issues in the pub sector----

Your time is up.

-----in terms of tax, excise duty and transport? We need greater flexibility for taxi services.

I call the Taoiseach, should he wish to respond.

I was going to say you could do with a pint after all that.

There are approximately 7,200 pubs in the country. That still is a substantial amount. The rural pub does play a very important social role in rural communities and, indeed, for the urban community to visit rural communities and enjoy the ambiance, relaxation and engagement with people.

We fully acknowledge that. I think there have been a lot of changes in society over the years and the majority of rural pubs closing may have to do with family obligations. Many were kept going by an individual member of the family, with younger members maybe not in a position to take it up because of full-time jobs and so on.

And economic viability. That is important. Economic viability and no taxis.

Deputy Lawless, this is not a back and forth. Excuse me.

If we are honest, and rightly so, successive governments in the past had to introduce drink driving laws and all of that, all of which reduced capacity for people to get to the pub at night. There are lots of factors and behaviour has changed as well.

Taxis.

I would recommend a good, long-----

I ask the Taoiseach to please stick to the time.

I will not, so, or I will get into trouble.

One question, not ten. Deputy Shane Moynihan is next.