Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the very first contribution around the Defence Forces. We have a wonderful new Secretary General in the Department of Defence. I know her well because I had the privilege of working with her for four years. She should have an obligation and an entitlement to make submissions to the new strategy going forward so I will write to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Defence today to make sure that Department is included. It would be wonderful to see a Jigsaw in Kildare and in every one of our communities. It provides invaluable service and could probably do with a doubling of its budget to provide such service in the future.

Watching Geraldine Mullan last night was heartbreaking. We bring up in this House desperately and vitally important points on legislation, Bills and motions. However, when one looks at that woman, the raw pain she goes through and the loss she has had to endure, it causes other issues we raise in here to pale and provokes a realisation that one's family and time with one's loved ones are absolutely key and king. I wish that woman incredible peace because she will need enormous support from her extended family, her community and all of us. No woman - no person - should have to live through the loss she is living through. It is a pertinent reminder that we all need, not just at this time of the year when we are more emotional than at other times, to cherish and love our family and friends because one only gets one opportunity.