Seanad debates

Tuesday, 21 September 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Maria ByrneMaria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Senators Moynihan and Ward and wish them all the best for their future. Today is a unique day as this week many first-year university students came to campuses. I pay tribute to the people in different universities and institutes of technology who made campuses safe for students to come back on site. For many students even in second year it is their first time setting foot on campus.

I raise the serious matter of the shortage of student accommodation. There have been many reports about this, particularly in my area of Limerick, which has three third level institutes. A kitchen was advertised as being suitable for student accommodation which had a bunk bed beside the cooker. That was clearly not suitable accommodation. There is accommodation that was once used by asylum seekers and approximately 200 yd from the front entrance of Mary Immaculate College there is a boarded-up unit. We must think outside the box and for the long term. Many people might have taken in students in the past but are not doing so now because of Covid-19. It is certainly something we must consider seriously as the matter is not confined to Limerick. The problem is across the country.

I was alarmed by three phone calls I received from three businesses today. They are all being sued by people who entered the small business premises but were asked to leave or put on a mask. They are being sued because people were asked to put on a mask. The businesses have received solicitor letters and they are being backed by the workplace commission. Small businesses have suffered so much throughout the pandemic. Regardless of whether people want to wear a mask, if a business displays a sign that a mask must be worn, the instruction should be followed.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.