Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take the point that when questions of redress or compensation are being discussed in tragic circumstances in which the State is responsible for wrongdoing, there is often a concern about the setting of a precedent. Given the extraordinary circumstances of this case, I do not think it sets a precedent to try to deal with it in a sensitive way. With the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Taoiseach, I will ensure this aspect of the issue is raised. I remind the House that there is an ongoing and active Garda investigation into what happened to baby John in this case. I join the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and others in urging anyone with information on the death of baby John to come forward in order that the other tragic element of this case can be resolved through an appropriate Garda investigation. Our primary thoughts today need to be with the Hayes family and I hope the call for privacy will be heeded by the media and politicians. By responding to families in these circumstances in a respectful manner we can show that Ireland has moved on in how these tragic stories are covered by the media and debated by politicians.

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