Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy Leader for allowing time today for a debate on the Roscommon report. The fundamental question that has not been addressed is when we can expect people to be held to account and to accept responsibility. A lack of accountability and acceptance of responsibility have been at the core of Fianna Fáil in Government for the past 13 years. It has been a failure.

Senator Harris can talk about moral courage, public servants and dereliction of duty, but there must be responsibility and accountability at all levels. I agree with Senator McDonald that if we as politicians want to have moral courage, we should ensure the referendum on children's rights is held and that these rights are enshrined in the Constitution.