Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates. I sit here in awe of what they have stated. It is very difficult not to be emotional and we are only listening to the evidence, not doing the work they do.

Like Deputy Regina Doherty, I still feel the rawness of the emotion of visiting LauraLynn House last year. Ms Ling stated we needed a seamless service and everybody in the room agrees. We all know where we want to get to, but what are the immediate steps we need to see being taken in order that committee members know we are working towards it, as opposed to it merely being a vision or dream we all have?

Dr. O'Reilly mentioned maternity leave, an issue that has also been raised in connection with social workers, particularly with the new Child and Family Agency. Two weeks ago I secured a concession that in the new agency there would be replacement staff for staff on maternity leave and that the embargo would be lifted. This is also a big issue in specialist care and I want to make absolutely sure I understand the position. The fact that there is no cover in specialist services while staff are on maternity leave is of great concern, particularly given the predominance of females in the professions I imagine. I would like this to be confirmed before I follow up on the issue.