Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

And, of course, Edenderry, where my mother-in-law is from. How could I forget that?

I will raise the matter with Kildare and Wicklow ETB and do so also when talking to the LEOs, Enterprise Ireland and indeed IDA Ireland about the opportunities for investment in the area.

Capital is an issue that comes up in every engagement I have with businesses of all sizes that wish to scale up. We certainly believe the new abilities given by the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to the credit union sector represent an opportunity to bridge the gap and provide finance that may not be coming from the pillar banks or investors of another scale.

On housing, the Senator is correct that a massive amount of construction is ongoing in Kildare. It is really welcome. Supply is the key to addressing all issues, but this means the supply of all types of homes. I am referring not just to the private three-bedroom and four-bedroom dwellings but also to those associated with the cost-rental and social and affordable housing schemes and to apartments and duplexes. The more of these we see, the more we will address the key accommodation problems faced by those on lower salaries or starting off in their careers.

All in all, I know what an amazing advocate the Senator is for her entire county, particularly the southern part.This is a good and frank exchange. I am due to visit Kildare officially with the LEOs and the County Kildare Chamber, facilitated by Ms Sinéad Ronan, when I get an opportunity to do so. I look forward to the Senator joining me when I visit Kildare.