I thank the Minister of State. It is good news that the Department is carrying out this review and I thank the Minister of State and his Department for that. I am sure we will hear about the recommendations down the line. This is the right thing to do and there has to be an increase. An area that needs to be looked at is that sometimes people might need a downstairs bedroom built on but it is hard to qualify for those grants. It is wonderful that 12,000 people have received grants over the last year and that this i…

Happy International Women's Day to all. First, I welcome the announcement by some UK researchers that they are going to call 100 Irish women to trials on endometriosis and relief of pain. It was announced this morning that they are carrying out some research. Endometriosis affects 10% of all women and this a very welcome announcement on International Women's Day. It would be a welcome development, were a drug found that would actually relieve the pain from this difficult condition. Speaking to people who suffer fro…

I thank the Minister for coming in to discuss this all-important topic. I acknowledge the presence of the ambassador, H.E. Mr. Trevor Mallard. He is very welcome. To carry on from what Senator Doherty said, the theme of today is embracing equity. She referred to the fact that not everybody starts in the same place. We are very privileged to be here in Seanad Éireann and that we can come in that door every single day but there are so many people from different backgrounds, as has been said by Senator Flynn, and othe…

Next Tuesday.

I join colleagues in calling for a debate on energy prices, not just for businesses but also for domestic customers. I have heard from many older people who are concerned about this. One person I spoke to was away from home for a week over Christmas and did not leave on the heating. Even so, the latest bill, which previously averaged approximately €200, is €700. That is a huge increase. Many people, both business owners and householders, have suffered badly from the energy price increases. I call for the Minister, …

I thank the Minister for coming to discuss this important topic. This is about the placement of a veterinary school at the University of Limerick, UL. This will not only benefit Limerick, it will also benefit the region. I am aware that the Minister and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, have met representatives from UL, along with other contenders for this school. In 2022 the national health strategy highlighted the role played by farm animal vets in animal welfare and health. I…

Great. I thank the Minister very much indeed for what is a positive response in respect of the independence of the assessment. I know the University of Limerick has also looked at the fact that points are quite high to qualify to go on the course. People, sometimes, even qualify but find that veterinary may not, perhaps, suit them. The University of Limerick has also proposed to introduce an interview process and working with people around their whole skills level in how they interact with animals. This is very imp…

I rise today to welcome the Windsor Framework. I pay a compliment not only to the Tánaiste but to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Coveney, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, for the amount of work he has put into it over so many years. It is a combination of the work of both men and various other parties as well that has brought this forward. It is a good day and I hope it will be accepted. I received an email from a gentleman who is on an invalidity pension. He has a number of neuro…

I wish to raise the situation regarding trolley numbers in University Hospital Limerick. While we had a visit there last week from the Taoiseach, who is taking a personal interest in this issue, I note two things. The trolley numbers were down last week and are well up this week. There are in excess of 100 people on trolleys today, I believe it is 111 people, and there were similar numbers yesterday. The figure is quite high. Senator Conway raised the protocols that are in place in Ennis Hospital. They were to be e…

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to discuss this important issue. While I only have brief speaking time, I want to raise two issues. The first concerns the Limerick to Foynes railway line and the fact trees and shrubbery were removed overnight along the rail line to the detriment of houses in Kilteragh, Huntsfield, Cúl Crannagh, Lissanalta, Springfields and Glencairin. I stood in one person's bedroom recently and it was like a motorway in that it has now opened up the whole area, and the M20 and the rai…

The Minister, without interruption.

Apologies, but we are out of time. I thank the Minister.

I welcome the Minister of State. Today, is my first opportunity to welcome him to the Chamber since his elevation to his new post. I congratulate him and wish him well, particularly as I know how committed he is to enterprise and business. I am concerned about businesses, especially small businesses. I tabled my Commencement matter before the announcement of the supports that were put in place yesterday. I am concerned that businesses were very slow to apply for the temporary business energy support scheme, TBESS, …

I thank the Minister of State for his comments. I thank him for accepting my invitation to visit Limerick. I am a former business owner. I work with many small business organisations. Certainly, the Limerick City Centre Business Association is doing Trojan work in supporting small businesses. While they are in competition with one another, they work together for the greater good. I welcome everything that the Minister of State has announced but I believe we need a commitment as well. I acknowledge the reduced VAT r…

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, to the House.

Before I go on to the next speaker I would like to welcome the students from Shanganamore National School in Athy. They are welcome, along with their teachers, and I hope they enjoy their visit to Leinster House.

Before I call the Minister of State I would like to welcome the students from Glenageary Killiney National School. They are sixth class students and they are guests of Senator Ward. They are accompanied by Councillor Anna Grainger and some of their teachers. I hope they enjoy the debate.

I thank-----

I apologise but we must move on.

I highlight again the case of 26 students in Limerick who have not received a school place for September. Yesterday, 21 February, was D-day for them because students had the right to change their mind and refuse or accept a school place. The Minister and Department must engage with these students. While I accept the Minister has been engaging with Limerick Education Centre and Tusla, there is no direct communication with the families of these children. It is a very stressful time for the 26 children in questions, t…