I understand that the Minister of State is here to take two further matters. With his indulgence and agreement, I ask that we let the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, go ahead now and take the matter he is here to deal with. This will delay the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, but, unfortunately, that is just how things have worked out.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary.

I thank the Minister of State for his time in the House. I know how busy he is.

I thank the Minister of State, and I thank Senator Fitzpatrick for raising that very important issue.

I thank the Minister of State. Senator O'Loughlin has raised a very important issue. It very much affects the people in County Clare because we do not have a short-hop zone. I look forward to the process that the Minister of State has outlined. It will make a real difference to people's lives. I apologise to the Minister of State for the confusion at the beginning of his time here. We appreciate his time. We know how busy he is. We commend him on the great work he does on road safety and other areas within his brie…

I support Senator Byrne in her call for a discussion on the developing situation in University Hospital Limerick, which is extremely concerning. The budget yesterday was a very-----

The big ticket items in the budget yesterday are there and they are very positive. It certainly achieved a balance by not being an inflationary budget but at the same time helping people when they need help because of the inflationary situation. I very much welcome the announcement made as part of the social welfare package that the free travel scheme will be extended to people who are certified as not being able to drive for medical reasons. This is extremely fair. There are hundreds of visually impaired people ou…

I second the amendment. I thank Senator Clonan for absolutely focusing a light on the future of people with disabilities in this country, and focusing it on something that is often talked about but rarely acted on. The Minister’s commitment to people with disabilities is unquestionable. I know this myself as a person with a disability. Whenever I have gone to the Minister on issues, not only has she taken them seriously, she has acted on them. That was very evident when a young person - I believe in Mayo - was acce…

I thank the Senator and appreciate that he finished on time because we have six Commencement matters and a tight schedule today. The Minister of State is welcome to the House on this busy day for the Government. I appreciate her time.

I thank the Minister of State for her time on what is a very busy day. I appreciate it.

I thank the Minister of State for his time on what is a very busy day for him.

I thank the Minister of State for his time on budget day, which is always a very busy day. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond to the House to take the next Commencement Matter.

The Minister of State will not be able to address what the Senator said about being misled. That is a separate issue and is more of a legal matter.

I thank the Minister of State very much for his time on what is a very busy day for him and his staff.

I move: That Seanad Éireann, in light of the extremely serious revelations at CHI Temple Street and the consequent suspension of surgeries pending the outcome of an investigation in that hospital and the further consequent erosion of trust and confidence in parents, demands that: the External Reviewer: - prioritises and reflects the concerns of the parents of affected children in the terms of reference; - ensures that the terms of reference also: - includes a requirement to make a recommendation to ensure that conf…

Absolutely; 100%. Thank you very much, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. The Minister is very welcome to the House. We were all very saddened and shocked by what was revealed about Temple Street children's hospital. We are all human beings and members of families, and what happened in Temple Street is totally unacceptable and must be reproached. The Joint Committee on Health last Thursday afternoon had significant engagement with Temple Street children's hospital and with the CEO of the hospital group. It was a very difficult …

Hear, hear.

I thank the Minister for his address. I do not think there is anybody here who doubts his sincerity, commitment, call to action and, ultimately, what will be his delivery. I thank Senators Clonan, Boylan and Craughwell, my colleagues, Senators Doherty, Kyne, Currie and Dolan, for their input, and indeed Senator Clifford-Lee. I was thinking that I tend not to share my personal story too much. However, Senator Clifford-Lee mentioned it and she is a dear friend and colleague, somebody I am very fond of. In 1974, when …

I too would like to support the section 39 workers. We all know the phenomenal work that is done by many of these workers. It is a great pity to see that they are out on dispute. I sincerely hope this will be resolved as soon as possible. I wish to raise just one more issue quickly. I call on the Minister for Transport to provide funding to Irish Rail to upgrade the Ennis–Limerick railway line, particularly at Ballycar.

Year in, year out, the line has been closed at certain times of the year due to flooding, and people have ended up getting a bus from Ennis to Limerick and back. People buy a train ticket expecting to get a train. It is a wonderful service. For a few million euro, this problem could be resolved forever and a day. It has gone on long enough. The railway line from Limerick to Galway, via Ennis, is one of the fastest-growing lines in the country and therefore the investment is needed and should be made.