Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Sinn Féin most sincerely. It is ironic. I will say this directly to the Sinn Féin Members. Last night, I was at a meeting with a young adult who had been adversely affected by what happened to her because of the situation in south Kerry. I told her that this debate would be coming up tonight thanks to the Deputies and their party and that we would have an opportunity to speak. I told that young adult that I would not name her, but she said that she wanted to hear her case being spoken about because she wanted an acknowledgement. This young adult was adversely affected and, to this day, is suffering greatly. I saw that even in my discussion with her last night.

I said it to her last night, so I can say it in public – I am worried about how her recovery will work because, quite simply, she was poisoned at the hands of the services she went to and her parents took her to for help and care. She was severely harmed.

That is an awful thing to happen, done by an agency of the State. It is an awful burden. This was not the Minister of State's, fault. It did not happen on her watch. Nobody is pointing any finger at her about this, but she is there now to answer the questions. We appreciate her work and the good work that has been done by some people in the HSE who are now trying to put the wrong right, but we have to make sure it is not happening all the time.

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