Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to address the leader of the Fine Gael group about a disappointing matter. Three weeks ago, I put down a Commencement issue for the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, relating to Tír na nÓg respite services. I am very disappointed because on the day I received an insufficient reply. What should happen when a Minister is called to the House to address an urgent issue in one's home town but one cannot contact anybody or get a reply? Yesterday, we spoke about reforming the Seanad. I ask the Leader for reform when a Minister is brought into the House to deal with a specific and urgent question. I had another question about the Holy Angels centre but I got no answer on it either.We need to have a protocol in place that will ensure we keep in contact with the Minister. I understand that not everything can happen overnight, but as a new Senator I am very disappointed that there is no comeback or follow-up. I ask the Leader to address that serious issue because, as I said to the Minister that day, I will raise it every month until it is addressed.