Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It can hit people in their 80s and 90s but it can also hit people, as Senator Seery Kearney said, at the age of 33. Stroke can hit people quite suddenly. I will ask for an update on the strategy.

Senator McGreehan also talked about Drogheda town and access issues there. I do not know the exact ins and outs of the situation to which she referred but clearly more cognisance must be taken of people with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, by those engaging in roadworks. They must ensure that safe access is provided and that someone is available to assist those with disabilities when such works are taking place. That is a matter for the Department of Transport and, more specifically, for Louth County Council. I am sure the Senator has taken it up with the latter already.Senator Carrigy talked about car insurance. I acknowledge the work done by the former Minister of State, Michael D'Arcy, in that regard, followed up by the current Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. We were of the view that car insurance premiums were coming down but there is evidence that they are creeping up again. I will perhaps invite the Minister of State to come in and give an update on insurance of all types. He has done much work regarding the book of quantum but many insurance providers left the market because of the high payouts. Perhaps the level of competition is not what is needed to reduce premiums.

Senator Conway spoke about diabetes. Former Member, Ray Burke, is an inspiration regarding his weight loss and diabetes story, of which he has rightly been proud in his time here and since then. Regarding the issue in the mid-west, I hope the Senator is successful in his Commencement debate request on that matter next week because it is hugely important to counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, as the Senator said, as to why the unit has not been upgraded in Limerick.

Senator Boylan rightly spoke about the importance of animal welfare legislation. I did not see the committee last night but I have seen some of the evidence on news investigations and they are quite horrific. As a former Minister of State, my Department updated at the time the dog-breeding legislation. There was reluctance from the Department of agriculture to take over that area but there were huge improvements in the area. Enforcement is the crux of any legislation. We tried to improve the issue of socialisation, which is very important for puppies. Having human contact from the get-go, in terms of vision, smell and all of that, is very important in those puppies going on to lead the lives they deserve and provide company and comfort to children and adults. I was involved in this and we worked on it but there are people who are not following any guidelines.

As a former owner of a rescue dog, I know the cruel treatment they can undergo, yet they can be wonderful companions for people. We were delighted to give a nine-year-old doggy a good home for the five years she was with us, little Ciara, who passed away in March. I agree with the Senator and perhaps the area is worthy of a debate because it is important.