Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to make this observation because we all had a good opportunity to exchange our ideas with the witnesses. It would be remiss to give any notion that "Operation Transformation" has not hugely filled the vacuum in terms of addressing the need for awareness, which is crucial. It would be a sore note for our membership to conclude this meeting by failing to record that those involved with the programme have done a powerful job in creating public awareness. I do not know who would be filling that space in quite the same way if they were not there.

The three "Operation Transformation" experts are most important. I am sure Dr. Orsmond did not take Deputy Fitzpatrick's comments to heart when he used the old adage, "You have to be cruel to be kind", but, strangely enough, he was looking at her.

I think I speak for most, if not all, of the members when I say that the five "Operation Transformation" leaders, and those who went before them, have been the real heroes of all of this. I wish them good luck and that they would be at least members of that 80% who have stuck with it. I might have fallen by the wayside but they continue to give us that hope. I say well done.