Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wanted to highlight a letter I received about the response the Minister of State gave me, suggesting that I needed to watch my language because of the effect it might have on people accessing the system. The parents involved, who wrote that letter to me and which I highlighted to the Minister of State, were very upset by his response. They said that instead of watching my language, we need to watch our children.

When we speak out in that way, whether on these matters or other matters, it is important to recognise that it is not personal; it is speaking out on a topic. We need to be courageous and outspoken. I felt it was important for me to relay their concerns today because I was speaking on their behalf rather than on my own behalf. They were very unhappy with the Minister of State's response, feeling that it shut down conversation and debate. They encouraged me to continue to raise those matters and speak truth to power even if power is not listening.