Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and appreciate the information he provided in his response. It has been said previously in the Chamber that the Women of Honour are reasonable people. I have met representatives of the group and they felt the Tánaiste's choice of words was wrong. He mentioned he felt their reaction was unfair, but I respectfully request he reflect on his use of language in this instance and in the future. With the greatest respect, the magnitude of this issue commands the utmost sensitivity. While I am not saying the Tánaiste equated the two issues, that is the way it was perceived. I saw the letter myself, and the words "trips, slips and falls" really grabbed my attention.

The strong voices of the Women of Honour should not be taken for granted and speaking out is not something that gets easier. In fact, the opposite is true. They would not request action such as a recall and reissue without good reason.

It has significant relevance to them and really and, truly, that is all that matters.

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