Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There were a variety of issues and I thank the Deputies.

I would be pleased to meet Deputy Ó Cathasaigh on his legislation and to discuss the 11th dimension that he believes is needed in the context of the dashboard around the culture and language. I agree. that the purpose here is, to use the Deputy's words "to stitch" the well-being framework to our budgetary process. I would be happy to meet him on his legislation and very happy to have that discussion about how we monitor, who is the watchdog, etc. My office will be in touch with the Deputy to arrange that with him.

In response to Deputy Barry, I will ask the line Minister to, of course, engage with the trade union. We generally have good engagement processes with unions. We obviously have the Labour Employer Economic Forum structure, that I chair, as well. I have a meeting of that scheduled quite shortly. It is a chance to bring employers and trade unions together with Government.

4 o’clock

Of course, the Government should always honour public sector agreements, as should all parties to those agreements. I do not think there is a need for me to write to people in that regard. It is absolutely the position of the Government. I will, however, refer to the line Minister the specific issue the Deputy raised regarding the concerns of the union.

On the matter raised by Deputy Boyd Barrett, I remember from my time as a councillor and my work as a constituency TD that medical priority was always a very important part of the accommodation scheme and the letting priorities of any local authority. I am not suggesting that local authorities are not under real pressure regarding the decisions they have to make, but I would not like to see any deviation from the importance of medical prioritisation. I will certainly look into that further.

I am not across the detail of park rangers, but I thank Deputy Murphy for raising the issue of Watergate Park. From a well-being point of view, I very much share his view that parks, open spaces and amenities are a crucial part of our mental and physical well-being. Park rangers certainly play a very important role. I would like to see an expansion in the number of park rangers. I will ask the relevant Minister to engage with the Deputy on that.

I thank Deputy Ó Murchú for raising the important issue of De La Salle College and the provision of adequate facilities for autism students. This can be a stressful time for parents. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to try to pull together the various agencies the Deputy has engaged with.

I send my best to the little boy with autism mentioned by Deputy Kenny and to his family. I always like to see the housing adaptation grants as a way forward. Generally, and I have a lot of experience with this in my constituency, they work well, but I take the point he made. We need to continue to support housing adaptation grants so that a family with a child with additional needs who requires additional space or modification-----

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