Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Davitt for recognising the importance of the Bill and supporting its swift passage. His support is much appreciated.

Regarding the points made by Senator Kyne, I recognise that the Senator has been raising concerns and issues related to the operation of Inland Fisheries Ireland for some time. I have heard him contribute strongly on this topic at a number of parliamentary party meetings. I will have to consider the particular issue he has raised regarding capital expenditure. As the Senator said, the way in which those projects are sanctioned is at board level, not at Department level by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, not to mention my Department. The Senator raises an issue about which he is clearly concerned. I will contact the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and follow up on the issues he has raised. As he is sufficiently concerned about them to raise them on the floor of the Seanad, he is due a response, which I will provide.

I thank Senator Dolan very much for her recognition of the value of the social welfare payments, particularly how we support our carers in their roles and the challenge with nursing homes and the availability of places. The Senator will be aware of the information showing the availability of nursing home beds across the country. Sometimes it is better than we might think based on the commentary we hear about it. At the same time, I well appreciate the difficulty and worry that families face when they are trying to get a loved one into a nursing home. They are concerned about whether a bed will be available or where it will be.

I thank the Senators again for raising those matters and I appreciate greatly the support of the House for this Bill.