Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to welcome the fact that fDi Intelligencemagazine, which is published by the Financial Times, has rated Limerick city as the top-ranked European city of the future not only in respect of attracting foreign direct investment but also in respect of the economic and financial side of things and business. Limerick city came second in respect of economic potential and was highly ranked in respect of business and human capital and lifestyle. This is most welcome when the Government is trying to create balanced regional development. Limerick, being the largest city in the mid-west, is expected to drive the region, so this is a very good news story not only for Limerick but also for the region.

The second announcement I wish to welcome is that of the Minister for Education and the Minister of State with responsibility for special education yesterday on free primary school books. When the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, was in Limerick recently, we visited two special schools. We have at least five special schools in Limerick and the Minister of State and I were in two of them. That the schools will give the books on loan to the students is most welcome for the schools, the students and their parents. Schoolbooks can be so costly, and parents have a lot of extra costs when children are in primary school because of different things in which they are involved. This is most welcome news. I thank the Department, the Minister for Education and the Minister of State with responsibility for special education for listening to the needs of parents.