Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Dooley's call for a wider debate on health with specific reference to University Hospital Limerick.

The main reason I rise today is to talk about the €7.9 billion that is being spent on housing, including affordable housing. More money is being provided to bring derelict homes back into use. Yesterday, Limerick City and County Council announced its seventh right-sizing scheme, which is at The Mills in Castletroy. The council is encouraging people who are interested in downsizing to move to a one- or two-bedroom apartment. I have had many queries and inquiries from people about it. I encourage people who are interested in downsizing their three- or four-bedroom home to register with the council for this scheme.

Yesterday, I received an email from a lecturer in UCC who lectures in disability studies. Under the higher education funding, disabled students on micro-credit short courses of six to 12 weeks do not get accommodation meetings and are not allowed to access disability support. If they are enrolled in education, they should be allowed to have some form of support. The Leader might be able to support me in that regard.