I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange a debate on the future of the pharmacy sector. Next week the Irish Pharmacy Union, IPU, will hold its annual general meeting. I want to take the opportunity on the floor of Seanad Éireann to pay tribute to the outgoing general secretary, Mr. Darragh O'Loughlin, for his professionalism, commitment, advocacy and drive, along with so many others in the IPU. We heard a clarion call from the co-chairman of the IPU, Ms Kathy Maher, last weekend. She said the pharmacy sector was at crisis point regarding the availability of hormone replacement therapy, HRT, medication, for women. There is a gargantuan shortage, particularly of hormone patches. The Minister for Health should come to the House to have a debate on the future of our pharmacy sector. This would be opportune, given that we will have a new general secretary of the IPU next week.

I also want to support Senator Dooley's call for a debate on the hospitality sector and in particular on the rising price of hotel beds, not just in our capital city but across the country. To be fair, when the hospitality sector was in crisis, the Government stepped into the breach with various measures. It is now incredible to see the rising prices for hotel accommodation across the country, including in counties Kerry, Mayo and Cork. This is not just a Dublin issue but is countrywide. I hope we can have that debate in advance of the summer recess.

I join my colleague, Senator Malcolm Byrne, in calling for a debate on higher education funding, including the announcement today by the Government. In welcoming that funding, I want to pay tribute to my uncle, Mr. Peter Cassells, who produced a report six years ago on the under-funding of third level in this country, which had left it in a perilous state. Since Mr. Cassells produced that report, we have seen an additional €1 billion provided for college education. The Taoiseach has been extremely strong on the need to ensure additional funding was directed to that sphere. While I welcome the additional €370 million in core funding announced today, it is imperative now that the Minister delivers on his statement today to reduce student contribution fees. That is central to the very essence of what we do here. While investing in the system of third level is important, reducing costs to those who need to access it is essential. Cost cannot be a barrier to students accessing third level.