Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach as ucht teacht anseo inniu chun a chuid smaointí agus a chuid tosaíochtaí a roinnt linn. It is definitely a great pleasure for me to thank the Taoiseach on behalf of the Seanad for coming here today to put forward his priorities and his thoughts into the process, and also for the leadership that he has shown here today in highlighting the different things that need to be done. Infrastructure and research and development are two key areas the Taoiseach highlighted. That goes into everything that the Taoiseach spoke about here today, from transport to housing, health, education, justice, arts, the Gaeltacht and agriculture.

Given we are heading into the European Presidency, it is important that we have somebody with the Taoiseach's experience at the helm, somebody who has those contacts and has built those opportunities with countries right across Europe. It is great to have somebody of the Taoiseach's calibre there to represent us and to drive on the Irish agenda as Ireland takes up the Presidency next July.

I am aware of the Taoiseach's firm commitment to sport as well because I have met him at many a sporting occasion. I am sure he will be in the Aviva over the weekend to support Munster.

It is important that the Taoiseach has set out his goals and his priorities for the country going forward. I am looking forward to working with him.

I will be local, I suppose, and raise University Hospital Limerick. As the Taoiseach said, we have come a long way but we have a lot more to go. I know the Minister, with whom I have been working, hopes to bring her paper to Cabinet this side of Christmas. I know the Taoiseach and the Government will not be found wanting in delivering for the mid-west. It is important, as the Taoiseach said, to have a safe opportunity not only for staff but also for the patients.

I thank the Taoiseach for coming here today. We look forward to working with him into the future.