I wish to convey my condolences to the family of the late Tom Burke. Many of us will remember him standing outside of Leinster House in the pursuit of photographs over many years. On my very first day in Leinster House, in May 2011, Tom took a photo of me when I approached the gate. He has photographed many of us over the years. He became a good friend to many of us and gave us plenty of advice. I extend my sympathies to his wife, who is originally from County Clare, and family. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dílis.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the National Maternity Hospital and update us on who owns the site. Yesterday, women and men were outside of Leinster House to protest against the restrictions imposed by Covid and so on. They were right to protest. The hospitality sector and nightclubs have opened and it is unacceptable to still have restrictions placed on the people who seek to accompany women when they have their babies.

We need a debate on the National Maternity Hospital. I fundamentally believe that the hospital should operate completely independent of vested interests, including the church. That should happen, and we should make that happen. I would like an update on the current situation and ask the Leader to schedule a debate on this issue in the not too distant future.

I rise to agree with the national neurology strategy and that we need an extra 100 neurology nurses. On Tuesday, 16 April 2019, in this Chamber I raised the issue of neurology services in regard to University Hospital Limerick as it awaited the recruitment of three or four specialist neurology nurses. On that occasion I was told such appointments were part of the national clinical programme for neurology, and that there was going to be a model of care that would be prioritised by the Government for the next five years. On that occasion, I called for one nurse to be appointed even though there was a recommendation that three nurses be appointed. At the moment, there is a report that shows there is a shortage of eight nurses. The University Hospital Limerick specialises in neurology in the mid-west region and it is quite frightening to learn that there is a shortage of eight nurses.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health to the House to debate this matter. Neurology services are not just a local issue but a national one. Such shortages have created waiting lists as well. The provision of specialist nurses would alleviate the problem because more people could be seen. Plus investing in the recruitment of neurological nurses is cost efficient.