Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

When speaking in Galway at the weekend, Archbishop Desmond Tutu urged us not to let the economic crisis become a human crisis. They are timely words. Based on the anger and absolute rage I sensed as late as last night, unless there is political accountability and unless justice is seen to be done, we will have complete social unrest. The main reason for this is that white-collar crime is seen as untouchable, with the likes of Seán FitzPatrick not responding to being called as a witness and huge severance pay being agreed for people who have been seen to be negligent in their duty, such as the regulator and Rody Molloy. Innocent people ask what this is about.

Meanwhile, children with special needs, some of whom cannot even speak, are losing their special needs teachers. I wish to second the amendment of Senator Fitzgerald on this issue. It is an outrage.