Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. First, the Minister for Finance should not have been there to announce the takeover of a private hospital. It was not appropriate. Second, it was inappropriate to do so two days after the horrific confirmation that the remains of 800 babies had been found in Tuam. Let us be clear: Bon Secours Systems Limited is wholly-owned by the Bon Secours order of nuns. Let us also be clear on how they got their money. They got their money during decades of torture, neglect and death, yet the Minister for Finance thinks it is fine to stand and smile for photographs with representatives of a company that made a profit of €2.3 million last year and which is wholly-owned by this order. It is a disgrace. I want him to come and explain what on earth he thought he was doing. I hope Senators on the Government side of the House will have the good grace to acknowledge this huge error of judgment on his part.