Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We must recall that we are dealing with a limited number of vulnerable women in this situation. The State owes them an obligation. The scheme brought forward by the previous Government should be applied in a generous way. It is regrettable that that has not been done to date. I hope that the Minister's recommendations will ensure a more generous application of the scheme for the women concerned.

I wish to thank the Minister for the fact that he is now facilitating the women meeting. I understand that invitations to an event launched by the Lord Mayor are being sent out by the Department of Justice and Equality and I commend the Minister in that regard. However, we must fully recognise that many of these women need further support from the State and the community. The Minister must consider the fact that many have not received the full health and community care package recommended by Mr. Justice Quirke. Many of them have been very significant impacted as a result of being denied that care. I ask the Minister to bring an urgency to the matter. It is regrettable that such urgency has been lacking to date.

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