Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Poots is most welcome to the Chamber. It is great to have him join us today in Seanad Éireann.

Senator Seery Kearney spoke about the data commissioner's ruling with regard to the HSE and the illegal gathering of data on families who were taking cases against the Department. I am glad the case was dealt with appropriately and that was highlighted and found, in no small part due to the efforts of a whistleblower who brought that information to light, which is really important. We have learned a lot about whistleblowers and the importance of supporting people who come forward with vital information in the public interest. We have come a long way with regard to services, particularly for vulnerable children and adults with disabilities. It is a different country today than what it was even ten years ago. The Senator rightly acknowledged the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, who has done a fantastic job in that Department and who has been acknowledged for shaking things up a little bit within the HSE. There is still a way to go in terms of service provision, however. That are many children who have been waiting for far too long for what are supposed to be early interventions and continuous service and who do not get the service they deserve and need. It is an absolute priority for the Government to improve timely access to services and outcomes for children in order that they can reach their full potential, as every child in the State should.

Senator Boyhan brought to the attention of the House the IFA manifesto that was circulated to all Members in the lead-up to the European and local elections. He commended the president, Mr. Francie Gorman, on the publication of a very detailed manifesto outlining the IFA's asks of candidates and the Government as we run into these elections - it is certainly an important document - and thanked the IFA for circulating it to all Members. The Senator also welcomed the announcement from the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, for the extra allocation to local improvement services and roads allocation across the country.

Senator O'Hara, our newest member to the House, spoke this morning about drug deaths, which is a really important issue to keep front and centre in terms of challenges we have to deal with within the State. He rightly pointed out that there is a whole generation facing huge challenges and the preventative supports in getting in early are not where they need to be. Other Members in this House often raise similar issues. It might be worth considering a motion in that regard. The Green Party will have Private Members' time coming up soon. It would be a very worthwhile debate to have in the House. That might be an avenue to get a fuller debate with the Minister here in the Chamber. It is quite a complex area with many facets to it.I am sure that Members would be eager to have their say on that particular issue, so I thank the Senator for raising such an important matter.

Senator Keogan spoke about the WHO pandemic treaty. I am aware that she hosted an event, but I think it was during a non-sitting week. This might have prevented some Members from attending when they may have otherwise liked to attend and listen to the views that were presented by speakers. I take on board her point about funding. It is important that there be full transparency around all organisations, including the WHO and NGOs that are present in the State, so that we are fully aware of funding and they are transparent and open. This would reassure the public about information that is being circulated. That is a worthwhile point to make and I thank her for raising that.

Senator Barry Ward spoke about the Stardust apology, which was delivered yesterday. Many Members also raised that issue in this Chamber yesterday and commended the Taoiseach, Deputy Harris, on making a very fulsome apology to those victims and their families. They have been waiting more than 40 years for that apology and for justice.

I take on board the points raised by the Senator regarding the thalidomide issue, because family members and victims are still waiting for the outcome. This is being worked on by the Government and I appreciate that the time it is taking is far too long. There are challenges when working with victims and their families in trying to reach an agreement and outcome that is best for all involved. I take on board the point about why the State fights these issues, as opposed to just coming forward and accepting responsibility where it is due. Yet, certainly, in the past decade, we have made amends for some very dark parts of our history. This is particularly the case under this Government, as well as under the previous one. We acknowledge our role and the State's fault in these major issues that have rocked the State over decades. It is better late than ever, in some regards, but concerning that particular issue, time is of the essence, because people are getting on in life and years.

Finally, I will address the points raised by Senator Craughwell. Along the same lines, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges relating to Jadotville, which he has mentioned on many occasions, and other issues where the State may have taken a longer route to resolving a problem, rather than taking a more direct route. I acknowledge his comments.