Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members who contributed today. Senator O'Loughlin welcomed the launch of the sports capital and equipment programme, which was also welcomed by Senators Burke and Cummins. There are important changes. Not only have the amounts gone up, but any project now applying for money must now show equal access for men and women. This is not at the point of application but when clubs go to draw down the grant they must show the works have been done. It gives clubs an opportunity to apply for the grant, but to have works completed in terms of equality of access for men's and women's sports facilities. That is a significant change in this year's sports capital equipment programme. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, on bringing about that change. It is an important scheme for us across the country. There will be great interest. It is opening on 19 July, and people have until September to make those applications. Senator O'Loughlin also spoke about AILG and the issue with the gratuity, of which I am sure all Members are aware. That is being actively worked on and the Minister is aware of it. I am sure all Members of this House will lend their support to that request from our councillors across the country. I agree with Senator O'Loughlin's remarks.

Senator Maria Byrne raised the issue of student nurses' pay. As they were not employees, there was an issue around taxation and whether there should be an exemption because they were not on the payroll. I am informed that has since been resolved, and pay will issue shortly. They have managed to work that out. That was the reason for the delay. It is nice to have some good news about the well-deserved pay and bonuses for the student nurses.

I also take on board the Senator's comments about estates in Limerick which have had sound barriers removed. I hope that is resolved very quickly. It is not justified to leave homes in that situation. I imagine it is distressing to try to sleep in that environment. Limerick is a busy city with plenty of traffic. I am glad to hear the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, will be on site to inspect. I hope the funds will be released very soon.

Senator Keogan spoke about the numbers in the quarter 2 Housing for All report, which has been released. Housing remains a significant challenge. Record funding has been put into housing. The numbers are going in the right direction, in terms of commencements and the social and affordable houses being delivered. Of course, for the first time ever we also have cost rental. There is also a number of new schemes. The tenant in situscheme is now well funded with local authorities. That is getting up and running now to purchase homes where a tenant is in situand the landlord might be selling. The first home equity scheme and the Croí Cónaithe scheme are doing well now. The word is getting out and the applications are increasing. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has done a good job in challenging circumstances. However, housing remains the biggest challenge for the Government and the top priority not just for the Minister but for all members of the Government. It is the big issue we are all dealing with in our localities.

The Senator also raised an issue about the digital euro. I will request a debate for the new term with the Minister for Finance so that we can have a conversation about the legislative package from the EU, where we are going, and how that might look and transpose into Irish law.

Senator Warfield spoke about the EU defence union. I am not sure the EU President, Ursula van der Leyen, said it was going to give certainty for the arms industry.