Kate Walsh (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, to the Seanad. I am happy to be a Member of Seanad Éireann. It is a great honour to be among and to serve with so many lovely people.

My community in Celbridge is unique. We have Grove House, a wing of St. Loman's there. There is extreme integration and participation by the community with the members and clients of Grove House. We are all one and work and play together. I ask the Minister to encourage in other communities what we have in Celbridge. Change is always difficult, particularly when there is fear of the unknown such as the fear of such houses in communities. If the Minister learns from communities like Celbridge a lot can be done for people with special needs. Integration is becoming more acceptable and I would like to see us proceeding in that direction.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for giving me this opportunity which I have chosen, in the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, to make my maiden speech in Seanad Éireann.