Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Sometimes Members do not like to hear the good news. That is understandable because we have good news to tell people but we have a very clear separation between the fourth estate and Members of the Government and of the Oireachtas, and that is how they should do their business.

In keeping with the previous national development plan, Project Ireland 2040, there was no communication with members of local media or local newspapers the way the Senator purports. It was quite the opposite. The instruction was that this was in partnership with the Irish Government, in keeping with what Fianna Fáil did when it was in government, travelling the country, advertising on the backs of buses or in newspapers. They went around the country with their policy units. Senators Clifford-Lee and Ardagh know that quite well.

I agree with Senator Ardagh and Senator Murnane O'Connor that we must encourage all the elderly people and those most vulnerable in this time of an impending cold weather alert not to be afraid to turn on their heating. We will all work to ensure, whether through special needs payments, the fuel allowance, or by whatever means we can, that people do not feel they cannot put on the heating. I appeal to all in this House to cast aside their political baggage, ideology and rivalry to ensure that all the elderly and most vulnerable have access to heat and can be properly taken care of.Senators Boyhan and Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of data protection. The Bill will be discussed in the House later and we will be debating the issues raised by Senator Boyhan with the Minister. The issues the Senators referenced about Tusla are worrying, because it is the organisation charged with protecting the most vulnerable young people in our society and it has a responsibility to ensure the findings of the HIQA inspection report are acted upon. I understand that Tusla has responded to the issue. It is important to recognise that Tusla has made changes but it is not good enough when a report by an independent group such as HIQA highlights key issues of concern. All of us want to ensure the safety of our children and to ensure they are protected at all times. I do not have an answer on the question about the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, but I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senators Norris and Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of Aidan McAnespie's killing. As Leader of the House, I join with the two Senators in condemning his death. If one listened to the "Miriam Meets" programme last Sunday, one could not but be moved by the powerful testimony of family members about what happened and how Aidan McAnespie was treated. It is unbelievable that a young man travelling to his own GAA club should be the victim of a tragedy like this without any recourse to justice for the family. It beggars belief that at one level, it is claimed that his death was caused by a ricochet bullet when - as other Members have pointed out and as was said on the programme last Sunday - there was an ongoing campaign of harassment involving Mr. McAnespie. The Minister for Justice and Equality is committed to ensuring that the truth is found. He is examining all options that might be available to assist the family. I know, having spoken to the Minister, that he is concerned that there is disquiet about what may or may not have happened but the bottom line here is that it is important that the truth is uncovered for all victims and families of victims of the violence on both sides of the divide, and equally that we have reconciliation whereby we can bring our country forward again.