Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When I raised an issue about the M20 yesterday, I called for the Minister to come to the House to discuss the important road projects in the national development plan. I will add today that a number of businesses on the south side of Limerick, including in the regeneration area around Southill, and the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership, are hoping that as part of the M20, the artery by Carew Park that was closed up many years ago will be opened up for the survival of businesses. It is a pertinent time for that debate. I call on the Leader to contact the Minister with a view to coming here for a debate.

The main reason I rise is because I want to acknowledge Olympian Róisín Upton; Emma Langford, who has national fame for her ability to sing; and our mayor, Daniel Butler, who is going to lay 30 white roses on the River Shannon on Friday as part of the launch of Limerick mental health week. It is a lovely gesture, not only for the 287 people who died in Limerick as a result of Covid-19, but also for their families. On Friday evening, all the main public buildings will turn green as a mark of respect. Limerick city has the highest suicide rate in the country. That is a continuing trend, which is quite frightening. There is a lot of work happening around Limerick mental health week. After more than a year of lockdowns, mental health issues affect many people of all ages, the young and the not-so-young. It is an opportune time to call on the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people, Deputy Butler, to come to the House. I know she has a firm commitment to mental health. Perhaps we could have a debate on mental health in the next week or two.