Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising the fact that it is disability week. ParkMagic, along with the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland, launched its app this morning and Limerick City and County Council is the first local authority to avail of it. A number of service users have used the app and they stated that when they come into town they have to plan their journey because sometimes when they get to the disabled parking space there is a car in it. It is a message to all to make sure not to park in a disabled parking space. A little chip has been now put into the parking spaces and it is updated in real time on the app. I pay tribute to ParkMagic because it is a Limerick company that has worked with the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland on this. It is something the Department should look at rolling out right across the country. One disabled driver said that sometimes they have had to return home because there is a limited number of disabled parking spaces. The Leader might support a letter to the Minister for Transport looking for that to be rolled out across all local authority areas.

A young neighbour of mine, Clodagh Bennett, is an 18-year-old student in St. Pat's in Thurles. She is training to be a teacher but she also recently became Munster Young Carer of the Year. She helps with the care of her three siblings, who all have issues of their own. One or two of them have mental health issues and all are on the spectrum. What that young girl does for her three siblings is to be commended. We hear of so many people who are helping their family members by being carers. It is a great achievement. She is going to college at the same time as helping out with her family so there is great credit due to her. I compliment her and congratulate her for being named as Munster Young Carer of the Year.