Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. To clarify, it is for exactly that reason that this amendment is being made. It is to ensure it is not so narrow that it would exclude other practitioners who could make these recommendations. It is not to make it more difficult but to make it broader - I will not say easier as it is never easy - by allowing more medical practitioners within the HSE to make these recommendations and an assessment of need.

To the Deputy's point on the Coventry Irish centre, I am aware of the fabulous work it does. I will raise the issue with my colleagues, whether that be the investment made in these types of centres through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or other types of funding.

We need to look at ways in which we can support our Irish abroad, particularly where they are providing a service for people who might have left at a very difficult time and maybe do not have the close network that others would have at home.

Because others have mentioned it, I want to acknowledge the work of Sage Advocacy. It does unbelievable work in dealing, not just with the survivors we are mentioning here, but in so many other spaces as well. I know it has been engaged on this legislation. I appreciate that Deputies feel that we are not going far enough here but it is important that we get this Bill across the line. This will allow the payment for education this coming August and the medical card and other elements to be provided as quickly as possible.

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