I would like to advocate for the introduction of further supports for third-level students, in particular for those who are commuting long distances to their local college or university. I am a former students' union president myself. I have seen first hand trying to help students in very difficult financial situations. It puts a huge pressure on all the family when someone goes to college. It is obviously a great moment of pride and experience in their life but it puts a lot of challenges and pressures on the whole family. The rising cost and lack of provision of accommodation means there are additional pressures on families, households and students. In my own case in Mayo, we have many students travelling to Galway, Sligo and other areas. The transport cost on a daily basis is very significant. That is why I am advocating for and encouraging the Government to consider a free travel pass for students who are travelling long distances and can demonstrate they do not have accommodation. A pilot programme could be done through the students' unions or something done to help encourage and take some of the burden off students who are under difficult financial pressure and commuting daily to universities around the country. It would be a very positive outcome if it could be achieved and accommodated within the budget cycle.

My second point is on the funding for the local improvement scheme, LIS. Anyone who has served as a county councillor will know the importance of the scheme in our rural areas. It is always oversubscribed and is of huge benefit to those who avail of it. People really appreciate it. It is bread-and-butter basic work and delivery for communities, rural communities, farmers and people in rural areas. From speaking to many county councillors, I know they would all like to see more funding for the LIS. This comes up regularly. I met county councillors in Mayo recently. The overwhelming ask among everything else was that more funding would be made available for the LIS road scheme. I ask again that ahead of the budget, the Government provide additional funding through the relevant Ministries to make sure that local authorities are well resourced and funded to make sure that we look after people in rural areas who are looking for roads to be done under the LIS. I would appreciate support on that.