Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. Before today's Order of Business we received news that the restrictions in regard to partners attending maternity appointments and labour will be lifted from 1 November within the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day. This is welcome news. We all acknowledge that babies are born between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. At the same time we must be cognisant of the public health restrictions and reduced staff on duty during those hours. I pay tribute to all the women and their partners who campaigned for this, such as Emma Cross, who gave voice to the deep frustration and sadness they had experienced. I also thank the Leader for the role she played and the Irish women's parliamentary caucus in terms of fighting for this.

Last week I spoke to the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, in regard to this issue. He reminded me, and it is important to remember, that six babies have died of Covid-19 in maternity hospitals and that on any given day, seven pregnant women were in ICU. It is important to think of those lost souls and to remember them and their parents, and to wish every pregnant woman well. It is really good news.

It is go slow day today to remind everybody about the danger of speeding and compliance with speed limits. There have been 113 people killed so far this year in fatal road accidents and many others injured and maimed. It is important that we re-emphasise road safety in our schools, both primary and secondary. We should have an education policy about cyclists, e-scooters and pedestrians. Every school student in the country should be given a yellow vest to wear at all times. This is very important.

The half-price public transport for 19 to 23-year-olds is an important and significant step. It is important that it is for all young people, not just for students. If I could make a call out in regard to mature students who are over the age of 23, it should be extended to them. It should also be extended to private vehicle owners.