Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The killing needs to stop. I do not know what else I can say. We must continue to keep the issue on the agenda. It is unlikely we will be able to debate it next week because the schedule is fairly well set.We can only hope there will be a ceasefire soon.

Senator Malcolm Byrne highlighted that we are continuing to live longer into older age, which is very positive. He made the point it is important to be as healthy and fit as possible and referred to the need to increase activity and exercise, and I certainly agree with that. He requested a debate on the issue in the context of morbidity and obesity and pointed out we should facilitate people in being active and look at a tax relief for gym membership, which I support. The Senator has raised this matter previously in the House. We will seek a debate on it in the new term.

Senator Murphy acknowledged the fantastic accolade given to Strokestown Park House, a travellers' choice award from Trip Advisor. It is fantastic visitor centre in Strokestown, Roscommon, and I have no doubt it will draw more visitors to the area. I would love for Senators to visit Strokestown because it is part of our culture, history and heritage and it is a fantastic visitor attraction.

I concur with the Senator’s remarks regarding that poor woman who was left for three hours without an ambulance coming to get her. Most of the time, an ambulance is available, but there are times when there is a pinch in service. Sometimes, ambulances are dispatched to very distant areas where they probably have no prospect of getting there in time, but they meet the dispatch time. That is causing problems where no ambulance is available locally. A good deal of work has been done in that space but no matter what age you are, you should not be left for three hours waiting for an ambulance service to bring you to hospital. I wish the lady in question the very best and a speedy recovery. It is an important issue to raise on the floor of the House.