Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The generosity of the Irish people never ceases to amaze me. This weekend, on Saturday morning, they went out in the wind and rain and walked, ran and swam to raise funds for the Darkness into Light campaign. After all the Irish people have been through this year, these efforts were truly inspiring. They raised over €6 million, a tremendous amount of money. I congratulate all those volunteers who went out.

I also welcome the opening of an office in Monaghan town by SOSAD. I encourage anyone who is feeling low, regardless of age, not to be afraid to call to the office or to call the service. Help is available and people should not be afraid to reach out.

I was also inspired this weekend by the people of Arranmore Island, off the coast of Donegal. A campaign is under way there, led by the local GP and headed by UNICEF, called "Get a Vaccine, Give a Vaccine". The campaign involves giving a fiver, which covers two vaccines for those living in the developing world whose governments cannot afford to purchase vaccines. It is a great initiative and I understand more than half of the population of the island, 450 people, have already raised €2,000 in that small community. I find that truly inspiring. Through the Leader's good offices, could both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Seanad and the Dáil, and the staff of both Houses get behind the people of Arranmore's campaign by giving a fiver, so that we too could purchase two vaccines, which will go a long way in helping those who are in most need? After all, at the end of the day, no one is safe until everyone is safe from Covid-19.