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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Castleconnell post office

Summary

The Chair welcomed visitors from Riverchapel National School before Senator Maria Byrne raised three issues; the first was the welcome restoration of the post office in Castleconnell, which had caused concern among older residents.

Gerry Horkan Acting Chairperson Fianna Fáil

Before I call Senator Maria Byrne, I welcome also our visitors from Riverchapel National School. It is a very nice part of the world. I have been there myself. I hope they enjoy their day and their next few homework-free days.

Comment on this

There are three issues I wish to raise today, the first of which is the welcome news that the post office is to be restored in Castleconnell in County Limerick. I wish Mr. Cunningham and his team in the SuperValu in which the post office is to be relocated all the best. Certainly, there was much unrest, especially among the older people in the community, about losing the post office. That is most welcome news.

The second issue is with regard to vaping. I agree with Senator Malcolm Byrne. A Private Members' motion regarding vaping was brought forward last week during which we discussed some stronger sanctions that need to happen and maybe stronger regulations, which I support. We will obviously have the opportunity to table amendments to the Bill and make suggestions. I believe we should have a conversation about it, however. Before the legislation comes forward, the Minister might perhaps come in for a debate in that regard.

Finally, I welcome the collaboration between the education and training boards, ETB, the University of Limerick, UL, and youth mental health services in terms of a pilot programme that will take place across schools in Limerick. This is a 12-week programme about research and education that will be open to transition year students to which healthcare specialists will be contributing. It also looks at positive mental health and well-being. The areas being addressed are managing social media, understanding emotions and building relationships, which are three really important themes. I wish the programme all the best. We talk a lot about mental health and especially youth mental health. I believe this will be a very successful programme.

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