Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)

Ar dtús, déanaim comhbhrón le muintir Harvey. Ar an lámh eile, tacaím leis an Tánaiste agus le rún an Rialtais atá os comhair na Dála inniu.

As his friend for a long time - since we both sat in this House together when we were first elected in 2011 - I will speak about the confidence I have in Simon Harris. Since he became a TD for Wicklow, and before that as a councillor and campaigner for autism services, Simon has worked day and night to the best of his ability for the people he serves, particularly people who feel ignored or excluded or who are treated differently. As a parent, I have seen his dedication and distress at the roadblocks and barriers faced by families trying to access vital services, particularly in the area of disability services. I have heard his frustration as representations he made on behalf of people were answered with clinical words and unacceptably long timelines.

I watched him rise through the political ranks and become a Minister, Taoiseach and Tánaiste. As a politician, he made his mark quickly. He is always able to set targets and encourages others to do the same, looking to the next challenge and pushing people around him to perform to his work rate, which is exemplary. He leads by example and is one of the most intelligent, strategically motivated and compassionate people I have ever worked with. He is also a human, husband and father and a person of great emotional depth. When he speaks to deliver change and results for people, it is not a lack of personal integrity or responsibility that inhibits him, but rather a structural deficiency in a system that cannot adapt and respond as quickly Simon Harris does.

We are here today because the system failed Harvey. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Health have detailed the changes that will be brought in as a result of that, particularly in the area of CHI. Political sniping and performative motions do not change the system. They only slow it down further and distract from the delivery and change we all desperately need to see happen for all our children. Children like Harvey deserve better and the memory of Harvey's life, his legacy, deserve better politics, policies, public service and political outcomes.

I support the motion of confidence in the Tánaiste.

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