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

I join with colleagues in welcoming Mr. Brian Roche, Ms Jacinta Murphy and Ms Mairie Cregan to this meeting. It is very difficult to know how to respond to the witnesses from Féileacáin except to use two simple word, thank you. Their testimonies this morning have impacted not only with the members of the committee but on those watching these proceedings. I hope that through the media that awareness of stillbirth loss will grow across the land. I believe they have achieved that.

Deputy Neville's question is pertinent and I wish to comment on it. It is about showing leadership. Féileacáin has shown unparalleled leadership. I empathise entirely and am fortunate that I have not had the same experience, but that does not mean that it is beyond my comprehension because it is a major concern when we become parents.

I do not think there are mechanics to get official recognition, but it is about the will of people to emulate the example of the witnesses. I have a suggestion, and that is all it is, it may not be feasible or practical, but it would show leadership that could spark off an example across the land. The remembrance day should not only be in the homes of those who have been bereaved in this way, as it is something we could all do. Leinster House is our parliamentary building and with the leadership of the Chairman, who will still be in place as I have no doubt they would not have blown the whistle yet for the off - but I expect it would be close - a single candle could be lit in front of the window in the lobby area. This would be an inexpensive but significant representative gesture. Perhaps the Chairman, the secretariat and the committee could be involved in that exercise on the morning of 15 October. This would be a national statement and I think it is worth considering.