Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators who have taken time out to be here in the Chamber to speak about the importance of World AIDS Day tomorrow and in the years ahead.

I congratulate Senator Norris on opening our eyes and for the service he has given to the Seanad. He opened our eyes to the need for people to understand what is occurring and to be taught about people who have an illness. He opened our eyes to the possibility of speaking freely about AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. We would not have done this in the past in this country. We now can, partly because of what Senator Norris has done in his time here in the Seanad.

I welcome ACT UP Dublin. I visited the GMHS service in Baggot Street Hospital. I was overwhelmed by the extent of the service being given but I was shocked at the conditions in which the staff have to work. I have raised this previously and will continue to do so.

My door in the Department is open to any group that wants to come and talk to me about a memorial or the drugs payment scheme. I have no problem with that at all. I am only too anxious to continue on this journey we started to help those who have been marginalised and stigmatised for so long in society. As Senator Buttimer said, we have to do a lot more work to be able to identify those affected. People are very reluctant to speak openly about their illness and to be identified, not only in their own communities but also in their homes and among their families.

None of us could stand in this room and say nobody cares about the plight of people with HIV and the journey they have travelled. I have known Senator Buttimer for a long time. We sat on the health committee together when he was a Deputy. He and I constantly debated certain topics. When I became a Member in 2007, I was struck by how comprehensively he could speak about the services being offered. He reminded us, including in our party, of what needed to be done. We all have a real opportunity, along with ACT UP and other groups, to continue to make life a little easier for people who for so long have been left in the wilderness. As long as I am in the position I am in, my door will always be open. I am willing to listen, engage in discussion and respect the fact that there are certain things we will be able to consider doing in the short term and long term. My invitation to the groups who want to come in stands. I am sure my staff will be able to facilitate them.I hope we can continue on this journey together. To all the Senators who have spoken, and many who feel the same way, keeping this on the agenda is very important not only on World AIDS Day but continuously through our political lives. I thank the House.