Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to inform Members about an event I attended on Saturday in Longford. A community health awareness day was organised by Kiernan Structural Steel in memory of the late Andrew Jackson, a young employee of the company who tragically died 12 months ago. We thank Kiernan Structural Steel for organising the event, at which organisations such as sports organisations from throughout the county and further afield were represented and health awareness talks were given. It was a fantastic day not just for adults but also for children to make them aware of the importance of mental health and mental health supports. All the funds raised from the event went to the local Longford counselling service and Pieta House. I thank Frank and Dolores Kiernan and their staff for taking the initiative on behalf of one of their staff members who tragically passed away. They put their shoulders to the wheel by putting on a fantastic local event in the local athletics centre. About 1,000 people attended over the day from young kids, my own included, to elderly adults. I want to acknowledge that somebody took on this initiative. I compliment them on that.

There will be further discussions on the budget today but I want to compliment my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, on the significant social welfare package that has been put in place with supports for all families, including those who are working. In particular we will see a double child benefit payment in the lead-up to Christmas, which is extremely welcome. I put on record our thanks to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and all our Government colleagues across the three parties for what has been a fantastic budget to support everybody in our economy.