Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Boyhan spoke about the issue of planning and the report in today's The Irish Times. I have not read it. The Minister will be in the House later for the debate on the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2016. There will be an opportunity to have a discussion with him then. The issue of planning and infrastructure exercises the minds of people affected by specific projects, along with those who have an interest in the future development of our country. I have been involved with residents' groups involved in the planning process. I am happy to have this important debate in the future.

Senators Gavan and Kieran O'Donnell raised today's bus crash in County Limerick and the issue of University Hospital Limerick. As Senator O'Donnell said, a new emergency department has been opened there. There is a commitment to open acute hospital beds there too. The hospital capacity bed issue is being looked at by the Minister with a report on it to be published. I thank all the medical, fire and rescue personnel and first responders for their work today in dealing with the crash.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, has announced a fodder response scheme. It was raised at the IFA annual general meeting. I have met members of the farming community but they have not mentioned a crisis or that accessing the funding is cumbersome. The people I have spoken to have been complimentary of the scheme when they have availed of it. I am happy to have the Minister to the House at a later date to debate it.