Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ach an oiread le Seanadóirí eile, tá imní Shinn Féin léirithe maidir le Uisce Éireann agus an fiasco ar fad atá ar bun faoi sin. We share considerable concerns about the way in which the Irish Water debacle is being handled. It is an absolute fiasco at this stage. Many of the difficulties we raised in the debate in the House are coming to the fore. We never expected them to arise so quickly. It is quite obvious that it is an absolute disaster at this stage.

I am very grateful to the Leader for arranging statements on storm damage last week. However, there are more questions than answers after the debate. I was at a meeting on Thursday night with people who suffered from storm damage. What is the position on those whose private property has been damaged? What is the chance of compensation for them? We asked these questions during the debate but the answers were not very clear. The Leader might be able to clarify the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. One man I encountered estimates that damage of the order of a quarter of a million euro was done to his home and business and he does not know where he stands. The position is not clear. The councils are saying they are washing their hands of the matter so we certainly need verification.

Like other Senators, I welcome the ruling in favour of Ms Louise O'Keeffe in the European Court of Human Rights and I call on the Government to respond appropriately. Her bravery and tenacity must be commended in that she was able to stay with it fighting against the might of the State. Going as far as the European Court of Human Rights was an almighty achievement for her.

Even after having suffered terrible abuse as a child in school at the hands of a school principal, unfortunately the Supreme Court saw fit to decide the State was not responsible. Today however, Members have learned the European Court of Human Rights has found differently. There is no doubt but that the State has a role and as my colleague, Senator Cullinane, mentioned, the role of the individual against the State may be an issue Members should debate. While whistleblowers have been mentioned, this again is an example of one person against the machine in the David and Goliath scenario. It is such a shame the State fought this case tooth and nail all the way. I call on the Government to address the issues in respect of this case as a matter of urgency in order that victims of child abuse may be spared an ordeal similar to that experienced by Louise O'Keeffe.