Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Humphreys and Mulherin raised the issue about social protection and the issues around the Department in regard to the Tús scheme, and Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of placements. A review is being carried out. It is important to recognise the importance of these schemes and the works they do in our communities. If they are not working, then we need to make sure that there is a change and that we can have people in those schemes continue. It is about job activation. Job activation is important. Thankfully, despite what Senator Ó Clochartaigh said, there are more people back at work and people working than there were before.

I want to share the views of Senator O'Donnell on the issue of the students injured in the match yesterday and wish them well, and make an appeal to all involved in sport. Senator O'Donnell raised the issue of the Irish Rugby Football Union, IRFU, and the compulsory use of headgear, particularly for forwards. It is an issue that needs to be looked at. The Joint Committee on Health that I chaired had a huge report on concussion in sport. It is important the sporting organisations, not just the IRFU, are cognisant of the responsibility. I am sure they are aware of that and that they will work on that. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.

Senator Ned O'Sullivan raised no particular question, but referred to the importance of the project in Killarney with the public private partnership with Gleneagle Group and the Institute of Technology, Tralee. I welcome that announcement and look forward to the winning applicant in the new lottery for jarvey licences. I hope the Leas-Chathaoirleach is not one of them or that he has not deviated.