Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

In light of the fact that the advertisements have appeared in the papers, I understand there is a great deal of pressure on the organisation, Dignity 4 Patients because more people are coming forward. Can the Minister give some type of funding or support to that organisation, even on a temporary basis, because it relies entirely on voluntary help, has no money and is under enormous pressure?

I gather the deadline for submissions to Mr. Justice Smyth is 3 March. Could that deadline be extended for the overall umbrella organisation because it wants to make the strongest submission possible? The people concerned are very vulnerable. In some cases they have been through the 1995 review, the whole court process and now there is another review which might possibly be followed by an inquiry. For them it is very important that this is a positive process and that they will not encounter further abuse. They need to know that it is a serious initiative and that if an inquiry is required it will be put in train. I should like if the Minister can give some reassurances in that regard.

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