Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is good to hear that the Government party TDs have also been strong on the case and that the Minister understands where we are coming from. I agree with Deputy Pringle. It is great that we are having this discussion and I am not suggesting that anyone would purposely forget it but I am concerned that it could slip off the radar in time. That is why I think this kind of report would be of benefit and it keeps it on the agenda which is very important. I am worried that we will be here this time next year and remember that we discussed this last year and have to ask what had happened in the interim. It is something that is so important for those who are working in our constituency offices. The report would be good and it would also keep it on the agenda and in our own minds. It is very important. Deputy Pringle said that we are used to these reports being published and the Government not accepting them. I do not understand why that is not the case. These reports can only benefit everyone, the Government and the Opposition. Sometimes it is good to think in a different way and take on the reports from Opposition parties or Independents so that they can be looked at.

I am glad that the Minister is making a strong political signal on this. It is good that we had the discussion and that we all appear to be on the same page. My only concern is that we do not see this fall off the agenda.

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