Domestic abuse services and Castlerea
The Leader offered condolences to Deputy Murphy and then responded to the domestic abuse services review and to Senator Dolan’s comments on Castlerea regeneration and enterprise.
Our deepest sympathies go to Deputy Murphy on her mother's passing.
Senator McGreehan spoke about improvements in services for victims of domestic abuse and referred to the details announced today for a new agency, an increase in the number of refuges in the country and the supports needed for those refuges. That is important. She highlighted the need for everybody to work together on this, including Opposition and Government and all of the different agencies.
Senator Dolan spoke about regeneration for Castlerea and enterprise centres. She referred to a food incubator hub. Our agrifood industry is important. In the old Model School in Athy, County Kildare, we have a similar type of food hub to support and encourage new businesses to start out. The more incubator hubs we can have around the country, the better. From what the Senator said, Castlerea seems to be the place to be in terms of the different types of festivals and so on.
Senator Lombard spoke about the St Patrick's Day festival and insurance. We are very lucky there are so many celebrations in this country for our national day at home and abroad. We all look forward to next year, when we can celebrate St. Brigid's Day at home and abroad as well.