Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That session was about building homes, health and hope. Some key issues were spoken about, such as social determinants in the context of mental health. Deputy Kenny mentioned the tsunami of mental health issues coming down the line. That is very important. I have a question for Ms Fay and Ms Kavanagh. What are the areas we should focus on with regard to building awareness of bias? What can we and our organisations do?

My second question is on the social determinants. These include housing, accommodation, employment and education. A wide range was mentioned. It was an interesting debate. It was about looking at the most vulnerable in the community. I have an interest in two areas in particular. I spoke with Ms Nora Corcoran, a project manager for the Galway Traveller Movement. She had put together a report. We might try to get an article about that event, how important it was and the quality of the speakers into our local magazine for Galway and Roscommon, which is based in Ballinasloe. Ms Fay mentioned access to facilities and how the public health Act had superseded local government. In our local area, the local authority provided water and Portaloos for families who were not living on proper halting sites. This happens and I understand that.

Another element I will ask the witnesses about is that of education. I know the Minister, Deputy Harris, indicated in March that approximately €300,000 had been ring-fenced for higher education. What has the impact of this been? Another important point is that secondary school students sometimes do not have space to study. As spokesperson on education, this is something I am conscious of. We are trying to look at spaces. In Ballinasloe, we have a study centre where space is provided. However, it is not operated on a not-for-profit basis. It is a facility offered to parents to accommodate their children studying in a focused way. Could we consider using community spaces to allow children somewhere to study? I may come in again at the end but those are my questions for now. I thank the witnesses.