Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ms Mathews and her team have done a lot of work to bring the conference here. The event has been a number of years in planning. It is a huge logistical operation to organise the event in terms of transport, accommodation, dining and everything that goes with it. I wish the team here and the Irish delegation the very best over the coming days.

Senator McGahon was looking for progress on the primary care centre in Dundalk.

Senator Keogan raised issues in respect of the junior cycle SPHE curriculum. I have some of the video that was put out online. We will request a debate. I am not sure if we will have a time for a debate in the coming weeks, but we will see how things shape up. Perhaps these issues are a suitable topic for a Commencement matter as they are quite specific in respect of the junior cycle SPHE curriculum.

Senator Dooley, not for the first time, spoke about the really sad passing of Aoife Johnston and the ongoing challenges at University Hospital Limerick. As the Senator pointed out, many Members raise the challenges at the hospital on an ongoing basis. I am sure the call for a public inquiry will be considered by the Government and all aspects of that will be looked at. Mr. Justice Clarke's report makes for very stark reading. It sets out that very concerning failings in care happened and that her death was avoidable. Again, I express my sympathies to family of Aoife who are no doubt in the midst of extreme grief at this time as well.

Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the housing budget yesterday. She also raised an issue concerning UCD and disability supports for certain students. I ask the Senator to submit a Commencement matter on that issue.

Senator Lombard welcomed the fact that we now have a tax on vapes and e-cigarettes as a result of yesterday's budget. The tax is really welcome. There is no doubt that the companies that produce vapes and e-cigarettes are targeting children and young people. They are trying to get them hooked on these products. The colourful packaging and flavouring are aimed at children rather than adults. I think they are despicable companies. I hate to see vape shops on any of our streets and towns. They are a blights on our town streets and our communities. Everything we eat is a public health concern now. Vapes have slipped in through the backdoor. We now need to take them and get rid of them.