Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader of the House.

I offer my congratulations to two sporting heroes. First, Sam Prendergast from Cut Bush in Kildare, who was nominated as the man of the match in the Six Nations match at Murrayfield last week. We are all incredibly proud of him. Second, another young man, Michael Noonan from Ellistown, again in Kildare, who is the 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers player who made history in Norway last week by becoming the youngest scorer in the history of European club competition.It is great to have role models, such as Sam and Michael, in sport for our young people.

While they are true heroes and we celebrate with them, we should also take the time to commiserate as we sadly lost two young sporting heroes last week. Irish jockey, Michael O'Sullivan, who was only 24 years old, was riding Wee Charlie when he fell in Thurles on 6 February. Sadly, he passed away last Sunday. I send my deepest sympathy to Michael's family and to the whole racing community, family and industry. I understand many of the meetings were called off as a mark of respect. John Cooney, a young Galway boxer, very sadly lost his life after a fight in Belfast. We should thank both their families for their commitment in ensuring their organs were donated after they passed away. We should have a vote of sympathy in the House on those two sad deaths.

We are all aware of the importance of day care centres within our communities, towns, cities and villages. They provide a large range of day activities, including recreational, leisure and health-related. They provide the opportunity for people to socialise and to receive other services. It is a lifeline for many people, particularly for those who live in rural areas. Some are provided directly by the HSE while some other service providers provide these services on behalf of the HSE. They are important organisations in our communities. Tomorrow will mark nine weeks since operations ceased at a particular day care centre, the Allenwood Day Care. It is a very difficult time for all who use it and their families. The HSE has said it will step in. I am looking for a debate in this House in relation to the operation of day care centres. It is important.

There is no time on the clock.