Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I heard all about it, I might as well tell Ms Flanagan. I know all about it.

What I am worried about - this is so important - is the lack of services in occupational therapy. It is so unfair. I would have concerns about CHO 5.

Another issue that I would be working on for other families is that of county borders, for instance, whether one is Laois or in Carlow, or Wicklow or in Carlow. I will only talk about Jamie because that is fine for me. Jamie was in St. Laserian's and then went on to Delta, which is excellent. It is hard when one is in a bordering county to access services. Even though one is closer to Carlow - one could be half an hour from Portlaoise - one could have to go over there which means a family member could have to take another half-day off or whatever. A family should be able to say that they are nearer to Carlow, Laois or Wicklow, or that is where their child's friends are, etc. The system itself is failing.

I will be supporting the witnesses' campaign. I have spoken to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Anne Rabbitte. The Minister of State visited Delta a few weeks ago and we had a parent there. It was a very successful meeting. I have to say I am biased because I am fighting for the Carlow campaign, but I am fighting for everyone as well. I want these groups to know it is national and I am aware of the challenges that are there. The Minister of State has committed to meeting, and that is so important. I was trying to contact her today before I came to the meeting because I wanted to have a date for these groups. Like that, I will work with the Chair and all the other members.

This committee is not a political group. We are all in it together and, as a team, we are stronger. I can only speak about CHO 5 - because that is the one that I would have most dealings with but I will make sure that CHO5 will deliver far more than what it is delivering. I have huge concerns. I will not repeat the issues with the different services because I see it all the time. I will definitely work with the committee to get a suitable date for the Minister of State to meet the groups.

What else do they want me or the members here to do? What else would be most crucial thing that could affect their families or children? What else do they think that we can do here today? I missed their opening statements, but I read them. I am always working on behalf of families and children. I will continue to do so but I always feel it is not until one or one's family is in a situation that one sees the knock-on effect or the challenges that family and children face, and that is unacceptable.

Rather than repeat what others have said all I will say is that the witnesses have 100% commitment from me. I always open the Special Olympics in Kilkenny. I am always there to cut the ribbon. I give a big spiel on it because I am so passionate on it. I attend all of the events. There is not a thing I miss, as the witnesses probably know. I am there for them with anything I can do. There is 100% commitment. I am so glad they came today. It is lovely to see them. They should not have to be fighting but it is great to see them here fighting for what they know is right, but which is not being given. Well done and keep up the fight.