Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I constantly raise the issue of University Hospital Limerick, as the Leader is aware. I know the current CEO is on leave and I wish her the very best. Ms Sonya Cotter, the assistant national director of the HSE, has today taken over the running of the hospital and I wish her and the new team the very best of luck. Many changes had to be made at the helm in terms of the running of the hospital. I wish them every success.

Monday was a great day in Limerick because 57 cost-rental homes were allocated by the Circle Voluntary Housing Association at The Mills in Castletroy. It is a new housing development in which 113 homes have been acquired under the cost-rental scheme, part of the Government housing scheme. I wish the 57 residents and families who have moved into new homes since Monday all the very best of luck.

The matters of small businesses, the VAT rate and business supports have been raised by others and I raised them yesterday. From what I have heard from businesses, €5,000 is not going to keep them alive. That must be re-examined because an amount of businesses are on their last legs. The scheme will pay 50% of rates up to a maximum of €5,000, which is too small a sum to keep businesses alive. Those businesses are supporting many families. The Minister needs to come to the House so we can debate the issue.