Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two issues. When I called last week for the Minister for Health to come into the House to discuss the vaccination programme, I raised the case of two vulnerable people who had not been vaccinated. I am ashamed to say that a week later they still have not been vaccinated nor have they received a phone call, even though the respective Departments have given many promises that they will be in touch with them.

As we open up society, and now that many people have got accustomed to online shopping, we need to run a marketing campaign to encourage people to stay local, support local and shop local. Such a campaign needs to be run not only in our local villages, towns and cities but nationally. As society opens, it is important that small businesses, which were mentioned already, should be supported in every way possible.

I said I would raise two issues but I want to also raise a third one. Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival was launched yesterday. It will be a virtual festival that will run from 24 to 30 May. More than 100 presentations will be made during the festival for the young and the not so young. As we open up our museums and libraries, it is important that education and lifelong learning are supported and highlighted.