John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I strongly believe that in this House we have to lead by example, regardless of how we feel about each other politically. Looking back on my career, in my years on Kilkenny Corporation I was influenced by the likes of Margaret Tynan, who was a trailblazer in her own way and encouraged women to stand for politics, Evelyn White, Carmel Boyd and other strong characters who formed policy at local level, were constructive and blazed a trail.

I also wish to emphasise the changes that we could bring about with regard to mental health and the care of women, or the care of women generally in the whole area of health. I have listened carefully to older people who found themselves in hospital, particularly women in mixed wards. They find it extremely difficult. They would prefer an alternative or to go back to the way it was. We need to consider the views and feelings of people who have a concern and are in a vulnerable position. The same can be said in respect of general hospitals and psychiatric hospitals. We have a responsibility to listen and to change the circumstances so that everyone can feel comfortable.

I wonder how the State feels - I will mention it again, as I do regularly in the House - about the family of Shane O'Farrell and how the State treated Lucia O'Farrell, a woman concerned about the death of her son, a woman who has campaigned continuously since that death and has shown that within the DPP, the Department of Justice and the Garda changes can be made. Did anyone within the system - I know a lot of Members did so - reach out to her to say, "Can we learn from you? Can you give us that mother's experience of the awful death of your son and how things can change?"

Did we learn from the thalidomide group who came before us in many forums here in Leinster House? They are still waiting for the State to acknowledge and compensate them. No, we did not. There is no decision in respect of their case. There is also the ongoing case involving Lois West and the Garda. We do not reach out to people who have something to say and give the opportunity not only for them to articulate what happened to them but to inform us of the changes that are needed. In Tusla, there is a huge amount of change needed in the context of instances where women feel they are treated badly. These are a few of the issues I believe could be addressed in a meaningful way to impact on the lives of women. The sooner we put action to our words, the better.

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