Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise first to pay tribute to Ms Olivia Chan in Limerick. We have learned much from the Fridays for the Future movement and the suggestions that young people can bring forward. She suggested that following her learning experience through Covid-19, there should be a suggestion box for young people to put forward ideas on how to develop a better Limerick. It is something that should be looked at right across Ireland because we have so much to learn from our young people and their experiences and thoughts.

The main reason I rise today is to welcome the amalgamation between the Technological University of the Shannon, TUS, and UPMC, which is a leading medical company, in order to set up sports injury clinics in Limerick and Thurles. Students will learn about sports injuries and provide a service to both the public and sports clubs, which will be very beneficial. The two clinics will include the TUS team, and athletes will have access to the most up-to-date functional movement assessments, scientifically-based strength and conditioning programmes, and clinical diagnostics such as MRI scans and equipment, all of which will help with recovery and athletic development.

This is most welcome for people who are injured. I know a young boy who had to go to hospital recently with an injury and was told he would be waiting 12 hours in the accident and emergency department before he could be even put through triage. These clinics will certainly help the development both of athletes and people in the general public.