Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)

Two weeks ago, I stood up here and said it was not fair the Meath versus Kerry match was not available to stream or on TV. I told of how Meath are back in form and how we want to see these matches. I am thrilled to say last weekend's match between Meath and Galway was broadcast and brought joy to many people who went to the match or watched it at home, in the pub or in a nursing home. I was fortunate enough to go and watch the royal county win with an epic performance. When I returned to Navan, it was a sea of green and yellow. The place was hopping, as I am sure every town and village in Meath was. I hope every business and GAA club benefited from that and continues to do so. I called into Jacksie Kiernan's on Trimgate Street and told him to get ordering the jerseys for the semi-final. He told me he was already on the phone at 8 a.m. ordering every jersey he could get. Is it not incredible what GAA can do to our countries?

On a less bright note, two Ministers are set to bring about changes which will have us paying more. Now is not the time for that. Three quarters of small businesses, sports organisations and community and voluntary groups have seen their insurance premiums rise in the past two years and we hear the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, is set to bring a 17% rise in personal injuries awards to Cabinet next week. I am sorry but all here who have a car, have a business or work with a sports club will see their insurance go up if this goes through. I cannot understand it because we have so many people against these changes. We have heard from every party in this Upper House at this stage, I think, and everybody is saying, "Don't do it." There has to be a debate on this.

Another Minister, Deputy Lawless, is determined to increase student contribution fees by €1,000. I appreciate the reduction over the past two years was part of a cost-of-living package but now is not the time to do this, not when we have one in ten people living in poverty and so many students struggling to pay rent. I did a grocery shop yesterday. Just three bags of groceries cost €160. Many families are under enough pressure without the extra cost of student contribution fees. I urge the Minister, Deputy Lawless, to really think about this and I urge the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, not to increase the personal injury payouts. I would welcome either Minister in for a debate.