Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senator Mary White on her initiative. Any effort to promote local business is vital to the economy and to local communities. I wish her well in her endeavours.

We learned this week that the closing date for third level grant applications to Student Universal Support Ireland is next Friday week. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House when we return in September to update us on progress in the processing of grant applications? There was almighty confusion last year and I have no doubt we will all have received representations by that stage. It is important that students, their parents and the public know what is happening. It certainly would be good to have an update from the Minister rather than through the press.

I take this opportunity to wish colleagues an enjoyable and sunny summer break. Perhaps Senator Martin Conway will consider driving up from Clare to Donegal, where there are more beaches than anywhere else in the country. The Leader and Cathaoirleach might also pay us a visit.