Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to the House and thank her for her statement on the Bill and her comprehensive run-through of its provisions. Fianna Fáil is happy to support the Bill. We feel it is long overdue and are very happy to see it before the House today.As a practising solicitor, I know that it will have a very real impact on people's lives. It will take away from the battle parents often have to face for many years to obtain adequate compensation for a catastrophically injured child.

The enormous lump sums paid out in the past often placed a huge burden on families who were already dealing with a large burden. It involved their investing and taking care of the money over the lifetime of the injured party, which was often far beyond their ability. The Bill removes that burden from families which, of course, is very welcome.

The provisions on payments falling outside the Bankruptcy Act are very welcome. Some families who received large lump sums fell into financial difficulty in recent years. The measure in this regard is very welcome.

The projected lifespan aspect is very important to consider because, as medical procedures and medications are improving, people's lifespan is extending. Therefore, the provisions for periodic payments will help affected persons and ensure they will be provided for adequately for the rest of their lives. We are very happy, therefore, to support the Bill.