Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is Endometriosis Awareness Month and Senator McGreehan raised the issue of endometriosis, which one in ten women suffer from. Many of them suffer in silence, so it is great that the House and the Government recognise it. The investment that is going into women's health is transformative and the Government is to be commended on that. It is the first Government in the history of the State that called out and made a priority of women's health and it has not only talked about it, but has put real funding behind it, which is making a real difference in women's lives.

Senators Maria Byrne and Conway raised the issue of University Hospital Limerick. I will not add to the acres of coverage except to say that, as both the Senators know, the people of Limerick deserve access to proper healthcare. Senator Conway outlined articulately the increase in funding from €265 million to €400 million, the more than 1,000 staff additional staff and the 98 additional beds. I am sure the people of Limerick welcome that the Ennis minor injuries clinic is now operating on a 24-7 basis but both Senators made a reasonable request for an independent review of what is going on to be carried out. I will pass that request on to the Leader.

Senator Murphy raised the matter of support for farmers and the environment in direct climate action. Specifically, he highlighted the enthusiastic response by farmers as custodians of our land to the Government scheme to protect the environment. It is good to hear that a scheme, which we initially thought might have 30,000 applicants, now has more than 50,000 applicants. Farmers who are protecting our environment, land and biodiversity are being directly supported financially by the Government. The scheme is welcome and we all benefit from it.

Senator Cummins raised the issue of his previous request for a debate with the Minister for Transport. I apologise that I do not have an answer for him and that the matter has not been scheduled.I will certainly communicate to the Leader the urgency and need for that debate. I am alarmed to hear about the tractor licence issue. I will talk to the Senator more about that afterwards. It is not that we need many tractors in the city, apart from construction, as the Senator pointed out.

Senator Lombard raised the report that recommends the removal of exemptions for people with dyslexia. It sounds quite alarming. I will raise it with the Leader and ask that the report be put on the Order Paper and that there is a debate on the issue.

Senator Conway mentioned University Hospital Limerick. I will refer that to the Leader and we will get a debate on the matter.