Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I cannot endorse enough Senator Wall's suggestion in respect of the Changing Places facilities. We opened one in Belfast City Hall in January last year. For families caring for people with profound disabilities, just the knowledge that such a facility is there for them affords them an opportunity as families to do things together, to plan their day and to plan recreation and important family time together. It is an important issue to raise in the House but, more important again, it is one we should all take on in our own spheres of influence and help to drive forward in support of families and those with profound and severe disabilities. These facilities really make a difference.

Colleagues have spoken about the level 5 restrictions. We are where we are, and I respect fully and champion the medical and scientific advice given to the Government. However, we need to consider the issue of fitness and gym access in the context of people's mental and physical well-being. We all remember in the summer the great craic and novelty people enjoyed in working out in the back yard or in the living room and encouraging their families and communities to take part in that. We are now into the winter months, however, and that option is just not available to everyone. I appreciate the fact that we will have a debate later today and indeed statements on this issue next week. I do not have the answer and I do not expect the Deputy Leader to have it either. I am just calling for a discussion and a debate on this in order that we can hear from the Minister the rationale, which, I hope, can evolve and be reviewed as we come into the winter months to make a real, tangible, positive impact on people's health.