Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join with others in extending our sympathies to the O'Rourke and Naughten families.

I also agree with Senator Sherlock's concerns about somebody who is compromised in these Houses, if it is the case. It is a particularly serious matter. However, I note there are politicians who are not compromised but indeed are puppets for Putin and will quite clearly voice his talking points on a regular basis.

It is 20 years since Parkrun began. The first Parkrun took place in Bushy Park in London and it now takes place every Saturday morning at more than 130 locations around this island. I was involved in establishing a Parkrun in Gorey that will very shortly celebrate its eight birthday. As part of our approach to healthy living and health promotion, we need to encourage people to have more active lifestyles and there is no better event than getting people involved in a parkrun where they can run or walk. It is a wonderful community and since it has been established in Ireland, more than 300,000 people have taken part in the 5 km parkrun, with 3.2 million finishes while more than 40,000 volunteers have been involved. All around the country every Saturday morning, we see these people involved.

It is appropriate we celebrate and congratulate Parkrun globally on its 20 years but also on its continuous growth in Ireland. It is also appropriate to thank VHI for its ongoing sponsorship and to encourage as many people as possible to take part.