It is most welcome news, but I want the beds to be escalated and to have them as soon as possible.

As many have said we are heading to the polls on Friday, 7 June and all eyes will be on Limerick. As well as the local and European elections that are being held everywhere, we have the first election of a directly elected mayor in Limerick. I have been very involved in the campaign for a directly elected mayor. As I was the Government facilitator for the plebiscite when it was passed in 2019, I want to ensure that when we elect a directly elected mayor in Limerick, we will elect someone to represent all the community. That is important for being an economic driver, not only for Limerick, but also for the mid-west as Limerick is the capital of the mid-west. I wish all candidates well who are participating in the local, European and mayoral elections next Friday. It would be remiss of me not to mention the fact that I have been canvassing with our Fine Gael candidate, Councillor Daniel Butler, who would be an exemplary mayor. He has been mayor of Limerick before. I especially wish him all the best on 7 June.