Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will also raise the regional film uplift because we have film in Limerick as well. We have Troy Studios, Odyssey Studios and Film in Limerick. The regional uplift is due to be phased out by the end of December. I support the call by Senator Malcolm Byrne. I have already written to the Minister of Finance about this and I hope something might come forward or be introduced in the Finance Bill. The regional uplift has led to employment in the area. Irish film companies and others from the USA and other regions have come to the area and provided jobs. It has also given local employment because a local painter will be brought in to paint a studio and the Limerick School of Art and Design, for example, has been involved in costume design. The uplift has a considerable knock-on effect.

I will also welcome the fact that Pathfinder has started at University Hospital Limerick and congratulate the staff involved. Pathfinder is a service provided to people aged over 65.When a person rings 999 or 112, a senior team, including a paramedic, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist goes out to that person. In most cases, the team is able to treat the person in his or her own home. This saves people, particularly vulnerable older people, from having to go to overcrowded accident and emergency departments and is a very welcome addition to our health services. It started as a pilot scheme in Dublin and has now been rolled out in Limerick and Waterford as well, which is very welcome.

I welcome the fact that Limerick has been included in the night-time economy scheme announced today by the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee. At one time there were more than 500 nightclubs in Ireland but now there are only 80. There has been a huge reduction and the hospitality industry needs this welcome boost.