Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps that is the case with some banks. There has been a shift with younger generations using online banking predominantly, but that does not cater for all members of society. We are in a transition period where some people are feeling left behind. That is something we need to be very mindful of. Access to ATMs is really important. Many smaller towns and villages do not have many, if any, ATMs. That is also a big problem.

The Senator also raised the issue around carers, which is an important issue to keep to the fore in terms of our budget discussions. As I said earlier, we must look after the most vulnerable in society and those who are struggling the most. Carers save the State a huge amount of money by the work that they do in the home. They should not be disadvantaged in retirement. They should be looked after while they are doing that really important work for their loved ones. I agree with the Senator that there needs to be a special place in the budget for people doing that really important work.

Senator Ahearn raised the issue of the national development plan. As we know, the new, renewed and reviewed NDP will be launched and announced on Monday in Cork by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, alongside the Taoiseach. It is very welcome. It was a commitment in the programme for Government to review the NDP. I think we all agree that it needed to be reviewed. Many Members of the Houses have come with a shopping list, for want of a better phrase, of projects they want to see delivered. The Senator will be heartened to know that I have heard other colleagues mention the N24, that is, the Limerick to Waterford road, as being vitally important to the region. The Senator's request has been heard, because other colleagues are making the same request. The Senator also mentioned the M20, the Cork to Limerick road. I would not doubt the commitment and the ideological position of the Minister and the Taoiseach in terms of the need for those key pieces of infrastructure and roads. Roads are still important. I know that not all Members of the Government would have the same view of that. That is fine; it is a coalition Government. However, we still need to be able to get around the country, and roads will be a vital part of that. These are projects that have been long committed to. I hope to see that they will delivered for the people of counties Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford, Cork and everyone in the region.Senator Higgins seconded Senator Ruane's Bill and spoke about the need for us, the Oireachtas, to see that we have our own house in order in terms of being inclusive for those with disabilities. Can we do better? Of course, we can always do better. She made reference to the sign language legislation that was passed, the Cathaoirleach's work on it and the need to keep track of it and make sure we are utilising it properly.