Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will have a further discussion on how the business of the House is ordered, in which respect I very much trust the Leader.

I extend sympathy to the family of Christine Buckley who was a friend of my extended family. I met her at a wedding last August. Her passing is very sad. She should be remembered and respected for her contribution to Irish society and the way she stood up for people who were abused in our society.

On a more positive note, I welcome the decision made by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last night. By an overwhelming majority it decided to accept the business improvement district scheme and have it introduced in Dún Laoghaire. We have talked about the fate of rural towns on a number of occasion in the House. Many people do not realise there are areas of urban Ireland, of which Dún Laoghaire is one, in which there has been a serious number of business closures. One third of the main street of Dún Laoghaire is boarded up; therefore, it is great to see that the business community has agreed to the initiative proposed. I would welcome a review of the business improvement district scheme. Perhaps we might have a debate on initiatives that could help small towns that are struggling.