I thank the Minister of State. While I acknowledge there has been significant investment and expansion of services, it is not enough. This report has made that clear. I am disappointed that the Department has not acknowledged that services need to be expanded further. I acknowledge the Department is awaiting the expert report but it is not right that the people of the mid-west are subjected to these conditions. It is the most overcrowded hospital in the country. There are many good things about the hospital. It has…

I welcome that a 150-bed private hospital to be owned by the Bon Secours Health System, BSHS, was announced for Limerick yesterday. This is a private hospital, but in the context of the Commencement matter I raised earlier today regarding University Hospital Limerick, UHL, once it is up and running it will complement the already-existing smaller BSHS-owned hospital, which was formerly Barringtons Hospital, and help to alleviate the numbers of people attending UHL. This is a serious issue for Limerick and the mid-we…

I rise today to raise two issues. They are two good news stories. One is the fact that the first women's shed is going to hold its meeting in Limerick tonight. It is based in the Dooradoyle-Raheen area. I would like to wish the committee of Emma, Jackie, Mary, Margaurette, Jackie, Sinead and Eimear all the very best. It started out as a women's walking group and its main aim is physical, mental and social health. Some things they have on offer so far include yoga, baking, home DIY, car maintenance, IT, crochet, min…

I thank the Minister for coming here today to discuss this all-important topic. I met recently with representatives from Young Carers Ireland. This is an issue that certainly impedes them. They are on social welfare and alongside their carer's payment, they are allowed to work 18.5 hours per week and study part-time. They are not entitled to the SUSI grant on the other side, however. They carry out very beneficial work in terms of caring, perhaps for vulnerable parents or siblings. To listen to them, it is certainl…

I thank the Minister so much for his commitment. Since he came to the Department, it is an area he has a keen interest in. I thank him and his staff for the work they are doing in this area. I welcome the fact he is going to reform it. Returning to the situation with young carers, it is unfortunate. I am aware they will be able to increase their amount of money or that the Minister will be bringing forward a proposal on the amount they can earn but the fact it is part-time is the key point here. Whether it is the s…

I am sharing time with Senator Conway. I welcome the Tánaiste and thank him for all the work he has done in his brief, including the introduction of a new public holiday, provision for remote working, legislation on the treatment of tips and gratuities, supports for workers during the Covid lay-off period and now the introduction of statutory sick pay. I am a former member of the Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association, RGDATA, the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, CSNA, and the Vintners Federat…

Next Tuesday.

I thank the Minister of State for coming here today. I know his commitment and dedication to the whole issue of insurance. I agree with all that Senator Casey has said. While some people will shop around, others do not. I am chairperson of a community centre in Limerick. Our insurance went up by more than €10,000 this year. We are a not-for-profit organisation in the voluntary and community sector; any moneys that are made go back into the community centre. They are working on delivery to the community. It is a mas…

I move: That Seanad Éireann: acknowledges: - Ireland, and the entire world, is facing a cost-of-living crisis driven by inflation, which is largely being caused by international factors beyond our control; - the cost of living in Ireland is high by international standards but wages are also amongst the highest in the EU, with median gross hourly earnings one-third above the EU average; - those on the lowest wages are hit hardest by the rise in the cost of living; - the squeezed middle is paying a large proportion o…

We have had a very fruitful and frank discussion. I welcome the Minister's commitment and that of the Government in respect of the motion. Many things have been outlined, including in respect of the cost of childcare and of fuel. It is the squeezed middle, as well as lower paid workers, that is affected. That is the kernel of the debate. There has been overwhelming support for the motion and Members have made positive contributions. It was put forward in good faith to try to help families that are really feeling th…

I, too, wish to be associated with the votes of sympathy to former Councillor Noel Collins. He certainly was a gentleman. I know he will be missed by many and especially the people he represented over a long period. May he rest in peace. I rise today because 700 is a number that is lucky for some in County Limerick and not lucky for others. More than 700 people were accepted into the mica scheme today. It is something in which I have been involved down through the years. I originally worked with people in relation …

I welcome the €12 million funding announced to third level students with autism. It will make colleges autism friendly through the use of apps. I understand that it is €3 million for this year. The three third level colleges in my own part of the country, University of Limerick, UL, Technological University of the Shannon and Mary Immaculate College, will receive more than €400,000. While this is very welcome, no provision has been made for students who are studying part time. I know a student who has autism and me…

I was listening to the debate upstairs because I had some work to do. It has been a fruitful debate and I compliment Senators Martin and Garvey on tabling this worthy legislation. I lend my support to it. Much of what I would like to say has been said and I am not in the habit of repeating comments, but the Bill has my full support and I am delighted that it has support from across the House. I wish Senator Martin and the legislation all the best. We see bees every summer and we are all aware of them.

At noon on Tuesday, 14 June 2022.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I paid my own tribute to former Senator Jackman yesterday, but I am thinking of her husband, Nick, her daughter, Nicola, and her sister, Ursula, who are watching this morning. I pass on my sympathies again. I thank my colleagues and I am sure many more will be contributing further kind words regarding the passing of the late Mary Jackman. The CEO of Age Action Ireland was on "Morning Ireland" today speaking about senior citizens and the withdrawal of Ulster Bank and KBC from Ireland. I am…

I thank the Minister of State for being present and taking the place of the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Naughton, whom I understand is attending a meeting in Dublin Airport. I call for balance in regional air routes in the context of what is happening in Dublin Airport. We must explore short-, medium- and long-term solutions. I tweeted over the weekend to encourage people to consider using regional airports and particularly Shannon Airport. It has the longest runway and the capacity to …

I thank the Minister of State for her response. This issue is mainly with regard to Dublin Airport and what is happening there. I will be speaking to the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, about this. This is an opportune time for the Government. We have to put in place a plan, whether it be a five-point plan or another type of plan, to develop regional balance for flights. The Minister of State, the Minister and their teams need to sit down with representatives from all of the airports. They need to look at the v…

Senator Kyne called for a debate on regional airports. As the Leader knows, I tabled a Commencement matter about it previously, so I second his call for having a debate sooner rather than later and having the Minister in. Yesterday was a very sad day. Former councillor and former Member of this House, Mary Jackman of Limerick, passed away. She served two terms in the Seanad. She was the first female cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council back in 1999. Certainly, many people who would have served with her would ha…

I rise today to welcome Cara and the Darmody family. I congratulate her and wish her all the best with her examination. She is a very brave young girl and I say fair play to her for doing the junior certificate maths paper. I wish to mention the offers of support and accommodation made by members of the public to Ukrainians who are coming into the country. Recently I have had a number of calls from residents, especially in the Limerick area, who told me that they had received a text or acknowledgement of their offe…

I move the suspension of the House until 1.45 p.m.