Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Who could disagree with the comments of Senator Ó Murchú who always speaks with a certain passion and true Irishness in the House which has been the hallmark of his very illustrious career in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as well as in Seanad Éireann?

One of the most important pieces of information conveyed during this afternoon's Order of Business has come from Senator Landy. I welcome that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has told us that there is definitely a plan "B" and there will be Seanad reform after the referendum, assuming it does not succeed. That is a significant development. I wholeheartedly welcome the news because the vast majority of the people want to see a reformed Seanad Éireann.

I was also deeply disturbed to hear about the sacking of Ms Gemma O'Doherty. I was not aware of it. I know her and know her to be a very fine, capable, passionate and determined journalist. I am sure she will have no problem picking up alternative employment with another publication. I would like to know more about how the sacking happened and the reasons for it. She certainly drove the Fr. Niall Molloy case in recent times, an injustice of which we are all aware.

Another worrying note relates to a recent article published in The Irish Times that stated 300 individuals with severe mental health issues are committed yearly to prison. Any sane person knows that prison is not the appropriate place for somebody with severe mental health issues. I would like at some stage, perhaps in this term, if we could have a debate specifically on mental health with the senior Minister, Deputy Shatter, to get to the bottom of the bottom of the issue. We are a decent society that respects citizens and individuals and we are a society that respects individuals who are vulnerable. I am very concerned about the level of committal to prison of people with severe mental illness. I want the matter investigated and debated in the House. The Seanad has always fought for the underdog, the citizens who are vulnerable. I would like the plight of this group of vulnerable citizens highlighted and would welcome a debate on it very sincerely.

I want it investigated and debated in this House. We have always fought for the underdog, for the citizens who are vulnerable. This is a group of vulnerable citizens and I would welcome a debate on the issue.