Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As I listen to Dr. Russell, I am thinking of a lady I met who was in homeless accommodation. She was very happy with the accommodation she had, although she was not happy that she was in that situation. The part that was causing her the most stress was that her child's first holy communion was around the corner. It is quite unique to particular countries that a child is expected to be alongside their peers with a new suit and new shoes and a meal out, or whatever it is. Maybe that is not something we factor in. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was very helpful in that case. The point is that we could do many in-kind things to cater for factors that are unique to our country or to different parts of our country.

I will call speakers again in the order in which I called them for their opening statements. I will begin with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.