Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her response. Her final point answered what I was going to ask. This has been happening for a number of years now. We are talking about some of the most disadvantaged in our society but we have treated them like this for the past number of years. That is simply unacceptable and I welcome the review. The plan is that this would not happen again and that is welcome. I urge the Minister of State, however, to do whatever she can for the 700 people affected by this now. Some comfort must be given to the parents of those people. In some of the cases, such as those in the Brothers of Charity or Ability West, due to their limited resources, they are able to deal only with those with lesser issues. The problem is those who need this help and support the most are sometimes the ones who are most disenfranchised.

I thank the Minister of State for her response and encourage her to bring some clarity for the 700 currently affected by this in the next seven days.

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