Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to raise a number of issues. The census has been referred to. Question 23 on the census form relates to carers. Whether you are a paid permanent carer or a carer in the home, you are asked how many hours you contribute to caring for your loved ones. It is really important that people answer that question.

Saturday, 2 April, is World Autism Awareness Day, and the theme for this year is inclusion in the workplace and challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic world. It is a really important theme and something we should all be aware of, especially this Saturday, 2 April.

Finally, I wish to raise the fact that Mental Health Ireland is holding a "hello" campaign on Thursday, 7 April. It is encouraging people to say hello and "How are you?" to their neighbours and to people they meet on the street and to listen very carefully to the answers. So many people out there are suffering. Limerick Mental Health Association is hosting its own campaign on the same day. It is encouraging community groups to hold coffee mornings, get-togethers and walks, asking people to join in and to be compassionate towards others. They are also encouraging schools to have colour days. It is a matter of talking to people in a humane way and communicating with people. The main point is to say hello. The campaign asks people to listen to the answers they receive back.