Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am so delighted the Taoiseach is here today and I thank him for his address. There are two or three areas I would like to highlight. One is his commitment to Sláintecare. I know of his own personal interest in doing things better and doing things differently. University Hospital Limerick is an area he has taken a personal interest in himself in terms of seeing that happen. We need to do things better there and do things differently. There is still a crisis going on down there and I would like the Government to keep an eye on what is going on there and see how we can address the issues.

Child poverty is very much key to the Taoiseach's speech. This is most welcome. I refer to the cost-of-living supports that were given last year and things like the energy grants that supported all people right across society. I know the Government is committed to looking at this but I believe we need to deliver for all and to support all. The UNICEF report said the supports that were put in place helped children, especially those in child poverty. That needs to be looked at again.

With regard to housing, I compliment the fact that we are going to pass our target again this year, based on reports I have seen. Affordable housing has to be high up on the agenda. A huge number of people come to me looking for affordable housing as well as social housing.