Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. The first issue I wish to raise, which I have no doubt it is uppermost in the minds of all Senators, is the awful situation that began to unfold yesterday, culminating in an "RTÉ Investigates" programme broadcast yesterday evening from which we learned that various elements of Departments gathered and shared information relating to the families of autistic children in particular situations. As the story started to unfold yesterday, I was both appalled and in shock. Listening to Shane Corr outline last night what happened really added to the sense of absolute disappointment that something like this did happen. Apparently, it has been happening since 1996. To me, it is a complete breach of trust and abuse of power. The fact that information on siblings and parents was being collected is absolutely abhorrent. As Members are aware, the families of those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and this practice preyed on that vulnerability. I ask the Leader to seek a completely independent investigation into this issue. It is important that we have such an investigation and that we have confidence in the systems going forward.

I also wish to raise an issue relating to Turkey.Turkey decided to withdraw from the Council of Europe's Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention, at the weekend. Coincidentally, Turkey was the first country to sign it. It is a further blow to combatting violence against women, following the violent and brutal murder of Sarah Everard, in particular. Withdrawing from the convention leaves women in Turkey, who have faced increasing levels of violence over recent decades, very vulnerable. Abandoning this international accord under the cover of conservative values is deeply upsetting. We must show solidarity. I ask the Leader to write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and to the Turkish Ambassador, as I have done, to outline our outrage at this.

International Women's Day was two weeks ago. One of the most inspirational women I know is Ms Maggie Owens from Athy, County Kildare. Ms Owens, who is deaf, is a teacher in St. Joseph's School for Deaf Boys in Cabra. She has been a wonderful advocate for the deaf community and taught people in Athy to sign. When she contacted me about the school losing its speech therapist, I intervened with the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte. She agreed straightaway to ensure the retention but the HSE must follow through.