Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power. I thank also my colleagues, Senators Browne and Henry, for their contributions and the responsible manner in which they applied themselves to the passing of the Bill. It is important that a situation that has obtained for some 30 years and beyond would be corrected and this Bill seeks to do just that.

My views are on public record. I hope the people who had money taken from them illegally will be in their health to receive it although, regrettably, a number of them will not. I hope the money that goes to relatives will be put to some good use. As somebody who worked in psychiatric services for many years, I applaud the people who regularly visited their relatives and I exhort those who have not made it a practice to do so. Such visits are very important for the mental health and general well-being of these people, although I accept that in some cases relatives cannot do that. I appreciate the support and co-operation of my colleagues on the other side of the House.