Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Earlier today, I had the absolute pleasure and honour of visiting Showcase: Ireland's Creative Expo in the RDS, which celebrates all Irish design. It was a truly impressive exhibition and I recommend that everybody pay a visit to it over the next couple of days. It is the largest international trade fair in Ireland, welcoming buyers from over 26 countries. The 2015 showcase marks an exciting start to the year for Irish design. It is expected that over 5,000 people will attend, from both Ireland and abroad, and the expo will showcase everything that is good about Irish design. It would make one very proud to be Irish to see the wealth of talent and products out there which are made and designed in Ireland. I was delighted to hear that new buyers have been attracted to the exhibition this year from China following the recent state visit of President Higgins in December, with sales orders in excess of €20 million expected over the next four days. There are almost 500 exhibitors unveiling their latest collections and opening order books. I am delighted to showcase some wares today from Corona Silver and Orla Barry, both situated in Dundalk.

I wish to raise the serious funding issue with the WALK PEER programme, which was announced as part of the disability activation project in 2012. Unfortunately, the funding for this is due to run out in April 2015 - in a few months - with the loss of five staff who work on the project. If it goes, 120 young people in Louth will lose this vital and excellent support. It provides a service to people with a disability and encourages them to get into work or supported employment. I will take the issue up again as I understand time is flowing. We really need a debate on the matter.