Last week, I called for a debate in this House to address the crises in the mid-west region, with a particular focus on the hospital in Limerick in light of the continued reporting of the Aoife Johnston case. I am conscious we may be nearing the end of our time here under this mandate. If it is not possible to organise a debate with the Minister that is obviously somewhat understandable. I add my voice to the voice of Aoife Johnston's family in calling for a public inquiry. I am around the Oireachtas for almost 20 years now and I do not call for public inquiries lightly. I can certainly never be accused of jumping on a bandwagon about that. When you look at the detail in Mr. Justice Clarke's report that looked into this case, and when you look at the complex issues that have arisen, the very clear observation is that the hospital operates in silos. It is not just about funding, which is important. It is not just about the lack of beds, which is a feature. It seems that some systemic issues have resulted in what happened here and in a number of other cases. I am conscious that Martin Abbott also died in the hospital in circumstances that have not yet been explained. It is important that we address the cultural issues in the hospital. While an internal disciplinary process within the HSE has identified five or seven people - whatever the number is - who are in some state of animated suspension and whose future will be discussed at a later stage, it would be wrong if just a small number of people were held to account. I think the issues are wider and more systemic. There is a cultural issue that needs to be addressed. I do not think disciplinary action on its own will resolve that. More money and more beds alone will not sort it, although they will help to resolve many of the issues. I ask if we can find time to debate this matter among ourselves. It is time for such a debate. I am conscious there are Members on the other side of the House who share my views here. Maybe we can have a motion from this House that would support the establishment of a public inquiry into the death of Aoife Johnston, and not just because the family have asked for it.

The Senator is well over time.

It would help them in bringing about closure from their perspective. The wider community would benefit in terms of addressing all the issues that need to be addressed.

The Senator was well over time. I call an Seanadóir Maria Byrne and welcome her guest, Jacob Aylmer, who is a student from the University of Limerick. He is very welcome this afternoon.

I support Senator Dooley's call for a wider debate on health with specific reference to University Hospital Limerick.

The main reason I rise today is to talk about the €7.9 billion that is being spent on housing, including affordable housing. More money is being provided to bring derelict homes back into use. Yesterday, Limerick City and County Council announced its seventh right-sizing scheme, which is at The Mills in Castletroy. The council is encouraging people who are interested in downsizing to move to a one- or two-bedroom apartment. I have had many queries and inquiries from people about it. I encourage people who are interested in downsizing their three- or four-bedroom home to register with the council for this scheme.

Yesterday, I received an email from a lecturer in UCC who lectures in disability studies. Under the higher education funding, disabled students on microcredit short courses of six to 12 weeks do not get accommodation meetings and are not allowed to access disability support. If they are enrolled in education, they should be allowed to have some form of support. The Leader might be able to support me in that regard.