Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and wish him well in his role. I also welcome his announcement and his comments regarding the amendment the Government is tabling. I commend Senators Craughwell, Norris and Boylan on their work on this extremely important Bill. They have the collective support of the House to see its provisions implemented over the next 12 months.

I am the father of three beautiful sons. Senators McCallion and Bacik spoke earlier about the heel prick test, which reminded me of being a very nervous first-time father taking my son to have it done. It is a fantastic memory and, thanks be to God, my son was healthy and well. Senator Norris summed up the issues when he said that this programme could save the lives of 50 children every year. That is why the Bill needs to be supported. I ask Members to support the Government amendment, as detailed by the Minister, with the guarantee that I personally, and the House collectively, will support the Senators in seeing their proposals implemented.