Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish the continuing talks at the Labour Relations Commission well and hope there will be a successful outcome to the bus drivers' dispute. I also hope we will also a successful outcome to the Croke Park II negotiations.

A few weeks ago the Department of Health issued Healthy Ireland - A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, a framework for action aimed at improving our health and well-being in the coming generation. It sets out a clear vision of a country where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and well-being to his or her full potential. It is important for this House to discuss this comprehensive document which is a roadmap and a framework for the next decade. I ask the Leader to schedule such a debate.

I was tempted to raise this issue after attending an enjoyable function in the Mansion House last night. The Leas-Chathaoirleach was also present at the celebration. I refer to the launch of a passport and a series of stamps to mark O'Sullivan Beare's historic walk from the Beara Peninsula to County Leitrim in 1603. A greenway that straddles ten counties and four provinces has been developed along a route of more than 600 km following real collaboration between State agencies, farmers and many communities. It was a really special event. We want to promote this greenway and all other greenways that have real and tangible benefits for our communities. They offer recreational opportunities to young and old alike, connect people in communities, provide major tourist attractions, bring much-needed accommodation and food business into rural communities and promote healthy exercise and outdoor activity. I pay tribute to everybody involved in this fantastic project in all the communities along the route. I refer particularly to Mr. Jim O'Sullivan from the Beara Peninsula who has done tremendous work and those involved in many communities in my own county of Galway from the bridge at Portumna through Aughrim, Ahascragh and Ballinasloe and up to Glinsk. This is a real opportunity for us to do something positive. It is a really good news story which I am very pleased to raise this morning and ask for it to be promoted. It dovetails nicely with the Government framework launched recently.