Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for organising the debate on the exceptionally sad case of Shane O'Farrell. The more one reads into it, the more one realises that there has been a terrible miscarriage of justice. I received correspondence from Mrs. O'Farrell this morning. She will be here with a number of other people. I hope as many people as possible can come to the House. I think it will be an interesting debate. A number of other parties will also be in the Chamber. I think it will be an important opportunity to stand in solidarity with a family that deserves justice. I thank the Leader for facilitating it. I thank the Minister for making himself available to come to the House for this important debate.

I do not intend to rehearse what other people have said about the children's hospital. As a matter of fact, I have said nothing about it in the Seanad. Perhaps at some time in the near future, we could have some sort of debate or statements on the National Development Finance Agency. A number of issues relating to the agency have come to my attention. I think we need a greater understanding of the agency's role and function in overseeing major Government contracts. I understand that a number of questions on this agency's involvement or lack of involvement in this project will be put to the Minister. It may have been prevented from being involved. I would welcome some sort of debate on that.

I would also welcome a debate on the €99 million in cuts that are now required. I hope the cutbacks that are being announced, which are temporary by nature, will not have any impact on the second phase of the National Rehabilitation Hospital project in Dún Laoghaire.

I ask as many Members as possible to come to the House for the debate on the Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018 if they are free to do so. This important legislation is before the House today. I know there has been a slight change in the order and timing of that debate.