Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)

First, Mr. Gloster and his staff are welcome. It has not been long from the establishment of the committees until we have found them before this committee. I welcome that. I am not going to, under any circumstances, add to their grief or put any undue pressure on them.

My first contribution this morning is one of good news. I had a good reason to spend some time in hospital visiting a loved one in recent times. She is a young mother of young children. I was taken by the positive interaction with what is called the welfare team. They made contact with the schools to inform them of the condition of this young mum and they provided for the mother and her young children’s welfare, particularly when it came to exams and that kind of stuff. It was the first time I realised the level of work that goes on, which sometimes goes unknown to the general public. I was compelled and really pleased. I have said that many times in recent days. I wish to thank the staff for the way they did that during the most difficult time in our lives and the children’s lives. They made that time easier by linking in with the teaching staff and making them aware of the situation. Sometimes, we have to acknowledge when there are great things going on that need to be acknowledged. I wish to do that here today.