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

I have for weeks now been talking about the increases in the worrying and concerning culture that exists in this House. There is a notion that we can throw away the people's money, for example, as if we do not absolutely need it in important areas such as housing, health, childcare, disability and basically ensuring that people have access to the very least or the basics of essential services, at a point where they can actually reach out in the community.

I have believed for a long time now that there are big notions in this House, politicians who have put themselves on pedestals, and political parties that have clearly forgotten their mandate and instead are so fixated on retaining that seat for the party that they have lost themselves, and some have lost their souls. As a parent of six children, child protection must and always should be paramount in every single thing we do. Doing the right thing in every instance that involves children is simple in my eyes. I would never stand over any adult communicating with one of my children with inappropriate messages. I would absolutely not tolerate it, and I do not think I could be held responsible for my actions. That is all I have to say on these statements.

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