Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Deputy Coveney. I am delighted for him. I would like to be associated with the kind words that have been said about Senator Norris. I congratulate him and thank him for his long service and wish him continued health.

Midlands Simon Community receives €100,000 per year from Westmeath County Council and a further €48,000 from the HSE. The organisation provides emergency accommodation for the homeless. It provides a lot of help in the midlands to homeless people with mental health issues. Reports have been produced on the services for homeless people throughout the country and Midlands Simon Community always comes out on top as delivering the best value for money. It is struggling with its services, however, particularly in Athlone. I ask the Leader to contact the relevant Minister to request that he consider increasing the funding for the organisation. It provides a very valuable service.

I acknowledge the presence of the partners of the soldiers at the gate of Leinster House. I am constantly saying that the Army is not just about commemorations and parades. It is not just about helping with sandbags when there is flooding. It is about national security and our reputation abroad. No man or woman wearing an Irish soldier's uniform should ever have to rely on family income support. The Minister of State at the Department of Defence, whom I know is working very hard to improve conditions, should be asked to come to the House to update us on progress on the pay and conditions of soldiers. I have raised this several times and will continue to do so. Now that the economy is recovering, we should consider the question of pay and conditions for our soldiers.