Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am heartbroken by the tragic news of a fire in a housing complex in Clondalkin which supports women who have experienced violence. It is sad to see any loss of life but when children are lost in such shocking and unavoidable circumstances, it is unforgivable. We have lost two year old Paris, three year old Holly, four year old Jordan and a young pregnant mother, Annmarie. This is a terrible tragedy and I extend sympathy on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party to all the family and friends of the victims. I also send my best wishes to Biddy who was caught up in the fire and is in a critical condition in St. James's Hospital. If reports that the fire was caused by an electrical fault are found to be true, people need to be held accountable. It must be ensured that an incident such as this never happens again.

I refer also to the march and strike for repeal held yesterday. I congratulate the organisers of the event and the men and women who attended the march. Ireland has an awful track record of maternity care. If men were having children, we would have a hospital akin to the Aviva Stadium, with the aesthetic appearance and resources to match. It is time women were given the care they need in this State and afforded a full right to bodily integrity.