James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I cannot stress strongly enough the need to be proactive and to do all we can to assist people who deserve our help and sympathy. We need to unite to try to rectify the actions of the Government. All possible assistance should be given to those affected. The compensation scheme has failed the fairness test on many counts over the last two and a half years. This Bill finally delivers on the promise in the programme for Government for just and fair compensation to be offered. The Government has introduced this last-gasp Bill in the dying days of this session, and possibly in the dying days of its time in office. Adequate compensation and every possible assistance must be given to these innocent victims without further delay. The actions of the Minister for Health and Children have rubbed salt in their wounds. It astonishes me that Deputy Kelly dismissed their suffering so glibly.