Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise three issues. Is the Leader aware of any plans to amend existing legislation in order to assist subcontractors who cannot obtain payment for work done? I suggest the introduction of a benefit clause, in respect of circumstances where materials and labour are supplied but not paid for and where a third party derives a benefit from the provision of such materials and labour, be explored. Some element of responsibility for discharging a debt should rest with the benefiting party. In other words, the debt associated with the provision of materials and labour should travel with the end product while it is still in use until the debt is discharged.

I wish to raise the continued and ongoing anger of members of the public regarding the perceived attempts by the Catholic Church to manage and exert damage control on the situation regarding the recent reports on child abuse. That anger comes from a belief that the church and its hierarchy just do not get it. I was impressed by the observation by one bishop at the weekend that what happened and how incidents of abuse were managed reflected a deficit that was brought about by an insufficient role of lay people, especially women, in the church. I suggest this is only a partial insight and that it is not just about a lack of specific people, it is about a lack of humanity. I call on the bishops and the Pope to look into their hearts and remember what lies behind their vocation and what the real work of their church is. I call on them to state they are sorry they got it so wrong and that people were so hurt but that they need help in carrying out the work of their faith and that this can be done by everyone together. Let the Pope ask the victims themselves for their forgiveness and not discuss it with his bishops.

With regard to mental health and the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, it is very clear that we are in a landmark year for mental health. We have money that will be very clearly ring-fenced. He has given a commitment that A Vision for Change will be implemented within its stated period. Many times on the Order of Business we have been asked what has happened to the briefings that the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, promised us on electroconvulsive therapy and mental health.